- Type
- Build Plan (PDF, AI, etc.)
Design by: @Vimana89, Plans by: @Grifflyer
Backup Link to Resource: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JP_sKCV5zlaentR8iQQS0EJbMd0irnKC/view
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Description: The V Sliver is a simple to build, foam board, three channel, RET(rudder, elevator, throttle) delta plane utilizing a high mounted pusher prop on a nacelle style nose. It is unique in two main respects from most other basic delta foamies. Most other tailless deltas utilize elevons, which grant full roll maneuverability, but require very precise build tolerances, and can be a bit touchy for a less experienced pilot. The V Sliver utilizes a RET control scheme and dihedral wingtips like a Nutball or similar plane, which gives it reduced roll maneuverability, but more predictable handling and more forgiving build tolerances when it comes to linkages and control surfaces.
The second thing that sets the V Sliver apart from most other similar designs is its extremely high sweep and low aspect, which specifically makes it a slender delta(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde#Slender_deltas) , a planform with its own subset of unique handling qualities. There is a lot of science and aviation history involved here that eventually resulted in the development of the Concord, but simply put, the extremely low drag of the slender delta plan form makes it well suited to high speed(supersonic on full scale aircraft), while the immense amount of vortex lift that it generates allows plenty of lift and good handling at low speeds as well. The result is a pretty well rounded flyer!
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Build Difficulty: 1/5,As basic as it gets while still having a box fuselage(though only at the nose). The build difficulty is on par with planes like the FT Nutball, Delta, and Flyer. There is one small A fold, and a couple of curved areas on the nose and scoop/intake. The curved plates at the front of the nose can be done either by removing the paper on one side as depicted on the plan, or by using a series of horizontal score cuts as was done on the prototypes.
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Flight Skill Level: 2/5, Not a first plane, beginner's plane, or trainer. It has some of its own quirks and unique handling qualities, but is actually pretty simple to fly and very forgiving with landings. The V Sliver would make a good second or third plane for somebody proficient with a basic trainer who has an interest in expanding to delta and jet style planes and/or high alpha fun flyers like the FT Nutball and Flyer.
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Flying: This plane will almost certainly need a bit of nose-up trim on the elevator, as the thrust angle on a high mounted pusher will never quite be perfect and always have a bit of nose down dip without trim. The pitch is very smooth with good authority but not jerky or sensitive, and the plane can climb pretty much vertically if desired. I would recommend light to no expo for elevator. The yaw/roll can be a bit touchy, especially at high speeds, so the Sliver has a modest rudder, on which I recommend putting a moderate amount of expo at least to start, until a good feel for the handling is achieved. The dihedral wingtips prevent tip stall and add some self leveling.
This RET setup negates full roll control and thus negates the ability to do full axial rolls, but lends to much more easy and predictable handling. This plane flies great fast or slow, though the handling gets a bit touchy anywhere approaching full throttle. At a brisk cruise, it flies straight and stable, and its high alpha slow flight capabilities are absolutely phenominal! It can inch forward, nose almost fully vertical, and it can execute a full turn maintaining a very steep angle of attack all the way through, just a few feet off the ground. The massive ground effect makes landings easier and more forgiving than almost any other type of plane. The Sliver can loop, but not quite as easily as many other types of plane.
At high speeds, in winds, and during rapid aerial braking transitions from fast and level to slow high alpha, the plane will experience a phenomenon known as "Dutch Roll", or wing rock. These oscillations can be alarming, but are not dangerous unless they throw off the pilot into a knee jerk reaction of some kind, so it's good to get a feel for what is normal wing rock vs a real loss of stability. The V Sliver has a good and quick recovery from any type of stall or sketchy maneuver.
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If any questions arise, I'll be more than happy to address them, otherwise, it feels great to share, and I hope anyone who builds this plane thoroughly enjoys it! A big shoutout to the entire FT community, and a huge thanks to @Grifflyer for making and providing the plans!
Backup Link to Resource: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1JP_sKCV5zlaentR8iQQS0EJbMd0irnKC/view
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Description: The V Sliver is a simple to build, foam board, three channel, RET(rudder, elevator, throttle) delta plane utilizing a high mounted pusher prop on a nacelle style nose. It is unique in two main respects from most other basic delta foamies. Most other tailless deltas utilize elevons, which grant full roll maneuverability, but require very precise build tolerances, and can be a bit touchy for a less experienced pilot. The V Sliver utilizes a RET control scheme and dihedral wingtips like a Nutball or similar plane, which gives it reduced roll maneuverability, but more predictable handling and more forgiving build tolerances when it comes to linkages and control surfaces.
The second thing that sets the V Sliver apart from most other similar designs is its extremely high sweep and low aspect, which specifically makes it a slender delta(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concorde#Slender_deltas) , a planform with its own subset of unique handling qualities. There is a lot of science and aviation history involved here that eventually resulted in the development of the Concord, but simply put, the extremely low drag of the slender delta plan form makes it well suited to high speed(supersonic on full scale aircraft), while the immense amount of vortex lift that it generates allows plenty of lift and good handling at low speeds as well. The result is a pretty well rounded flyer!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Build Difficulty: 1/5,As basic as it gets while still having a box fuselage(though only at the nose). The build difficulty is on par with planes like the FT Nutball, Delta, and Flyer. There is one small A fold, and a couple of curved areas on the nose and scoop/intake. The curved plates at the front of the nose can be done either by removing the paper on one side as depicted on the plan, or by using a series of horizontal score cuts as was done on the prototypes.
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Flight Skill Level: 2/5, Not a first plane, beginner's plane, or trainer. It has some of its own quirks and unique handling qualities, but is actually pretty simple to fly and very forgiving with landings. The V Sliver would make a good second or third plane for somebody proficient with a basic trainer who has an interest in expanding to delta and jet style planes and/or high alpha fun flyers like the FT Nutball and Flyer.
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Flying: This plane will almost certainly need a bit of nose-up trim on the elevator, as the thrust angle on a high mounted pusher will never quite be perfect and always have a bit of nose down dip without trim. The pitch is very smooth with good authority but not jerky or sensitive, and the plane can climb pretty much vertically if desired. I would recommend light to no expo for elevator. The yaw/roll can be a bit touchy, especially at high speeds, so the Sliver has a modest rudder, on which I recommend putting a moderate amount of expo at least to start, until a good feel for the handling is achieved. The dihedral wingtips prevent tip stall and add some self leveling.
This RET setup negates full roll control and thus negates the ability to do full axial rolls, but lends to much more easy and predictable handling. This plane flies great fast or slow, though the handling gets a bit touchy anywhere approaching full throttle. At a brisk cruise, it flies straight and stable, and its high alpha slow flight capabilities are absolutely phenominal! It can inch forward, nose almost fully vertical, and it can execute a full turn maintaining a very steep angle of attack all the way through, just a few feet off the ground. The massive ground effect makes landings easier and more forgiving than almost any other type of plane. The Sliver can loop, but not quite as easily as many other types of plane.
At high speeds, in winds, and during rapid aerial braking transitions from fast and level to slow high alpha, the plane will experience a phenomenon known as "Dutch Roll", or wing rock. These oscillations can be alarming, but are not dangerous unless they throw off the pilot into a knee jerk reaction of some kind, so it's good to get a feel for what is normal wing rock vs a real loss of stability. The V Sliver has a good and quick recovery from any type of stall or sketchy maneuver.
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If any questions arise, I'll be more than happy to address them, otherwise, it feels great to share, and I hope anyone who builds this plane thoroughly enjoys it! A big shoutout to the entire FT community, and a huge thanks to @Grifflyer for making and providing the plans!
