Well, as I had mentioned I would do, i printed up the plans today and got to building.
I have to give a big shout out and many props to localfiend for making this design, and putting together really great plans for us to use. Thank you so much!
I wanted to try something on this plane that i had thought would have been great to have on my full-size FT-22, and that is a KF stepped airfoil. The biggest benefit I think it would have on it is wing rigidity. I had wrinkled my full-size's wings somewhat from wing launching. So, some added strength would have to be a plus. If it helps flying characteristics as well, all the better.
So, here is a series of pics to show how I went about my build:
First, I used paper to locate and pattern where I wanted the KF step, and its width. Then, using the cut out plan as a guide, I located the edge that would join the fuselage sides, and then taped it to the wing plan. Not seen in the pic, I also went ahead and joined the horizontal stabs to the plan so I could cut them out in one piece similar to the FT-22.
After cutting out the wing panel, I beveled the inside of the leading edge, and worked it over the top of the wing in the usual fashion until it laid flat on the top. I also put a bevel on the underside of the front piece that lays across the top of the "engine duct" to give it a more stream-lined appearance when glued down. Hot glue was apply to this bevel first, and pressed down till dry. Then, glue was applied to the trailing edge of the step, and hot glue flush. This also provides an extra shoulder for the top fuselage sides to be glued to.
I pulled my power pod directly out of my FT Mini Arrow, and fastened it with BBQ skewers. I also decided to make a hatch over the top between the canopy and the power pod to allow better access to the internals. I will fasten this down with tape that can be easily cut if the hatch needs to be removed. I also had to slightly enlarge the prop slot for my motor and prop set-up.
Only thing left to do was give it a quick cheesy paint job.
If the weather holds out, I will give it a maiden tomorrow. I can not hardly wait! This thing should be an absolute rocket. The motor testing I have done, in putting it all together, has shown that it should be able to vertical launch with ease.
As to my set-up, it has a 2204 2300KV, two 9 gram servos, 12 amp speed control, FlySky 6-channel receiver, and 500mah 3s that balances it out at about the middle of the cockpit. I'm thinking my 800mah 3s should work as well back towards the back of the cockpit.
I'm stoked to try this thing out!