- Type
- 3D Print Files (STL, G-code, etc.)
I don't really like belly landing my planes as it seems to always scuff up the bottom. So I like to design and print some type of landing gear.
I recently built the FT Mighty Mini Explorer and it is an awesome design. I wanted something rather small and as light as possible for this bird. A hard landing might break this gear, but that is fine, it will protect your bird, and you can just reprint another.
I printed these parts out of PLA-CF which is light and strong, and if you have not tried printing it you should because it prints amazing.
There are 2 parts to the main gear the bracket fits just inside the front of the fuselage above the main gear (see the pics). Then I used 2 M3x12mm screws and nuts to secure the 2 pieces through the foam board just behind the removable nose. You could also use 6-32 x 1/2" or 8-32X 1/2" screws and nuts. The tail piece is just hot glued on.
I also used a 3mm carbon fiber rod for the axle and 2ea 50mm (2") foam wheels. ( you could also just use a bit of coat hanger for the axle but will add just a bit more weight.)
I have not had a chance to fly this as yet but I am positive that the gear won't have any negative effect on the flying, just make sure your CG balances.
Let me know if you have questions or require any modifications and I will try to help.
Also, if you try this, let me know how it preforms or if there are any problems with the design.
Recommended Settings:
Material: PLA/PLA+/PLA-CF/PETG
Infill:
I recently built the FT Mighty Mini Explorer and it is an awesome design. I wanted something rather small and as light as possible for this bird. A hard landing might break this gear, but that is fine, it will protect your bird, and you can just reprint another.
I printed these parts out of PLA-CF which is light and strong, and if you have not tried printing it you should because it prints amazing.
There are 2 parts to the main gear the bracket fits just inside the front of the fuselage above the main gear (see the pics). Then I used 2 M3x12mm screws and nuts to secure the 2 pieces through the foam board just behind the removable nose. You could also use 6-32 x 1/2" or 8-32X 1/2" screws and nuts. The tail piece is just hot glued on.
I also used a 3mm carbon fiber rod for the axle and 2ea 50mm (2") foam wheels. ( you could also just use a bit of coat hanger for the axle but will add just a bit more weight.)
I have not had a chance to fly this as yet but I am positive that the gear won't have any negative effect on the flying, just make sure your CG balances.
Let me know if you have questions or require any modifications and I will try to help.
Also, if you try this, let me know how it preforms or if there are any problems with the design.
Recommended Settings:
Material: PLA/PLA+/PLA-CF/PETG
Infill:
- Main Gear: 60% Cubic Infill
- Tail Gear: 50% Cubic Infill
