Build Suggestion!

[valiantglx]

The Sparrow​

I have seen a lot of flying videos, I have flown a handful of planes, and I can say with confidence that this is the best 3ch (RET) aircraft that you will ever fly.

It is great for young and old; beginners and experts; slow flying and aerobatics; indoors and outdoors. It seriously ticks all of the boxes.

This plane with Parkzone Ultra Micro brushed electronics including AS3X, has performance beyond the capabilities of the average 3ch RC plane.

Above all else it is super easy to build, the A4 PDFs print out in the actual size, and there are only 3 pieces of 3mm depron that make up the air frame and a further 4 pieces that make up the motor mount.

Further more it is almost indestructible, I have CRASHED HARD many a time, and the only damage it has incurred so far is the motor/gearbox breaking loose.

Don't just take my word for it check out these vids:

Sparrow V2.5 Inverted Flat Spin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3chKv049N8w

Sparrow V1 Aerobatics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oaxl4qpPvio

Sparrow V2.5 Slow Flying: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qq1jzWnKorY


I will attach the V2.5 PDF's to this thread

I'm not after fame or money I purely just want my design to get out there so I can see other people having as much fun as I do with my Sparrow.

Please Flite Test build this plane, it will do me a great honor.​

For more info, pics and vids here is the main Sparrow thread: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1961057

Also if you guys need more info please don't hesitate to ask, I am willing to help out as much as possible.

 

[xuzme720]

Cool build! I have seen your other threads on this airframe, but sadly, I have nothing that will bind to a PZ brick.

 

[valiantglx]

Thanks, you dont really need the parkzone brick though. Just use 2x hobbyking 1.7g servos, Hobbyking 3a ESC, 1s 160-300mah lipo and an APO3 or AP05 5000kv BL motor (73g static thrust on 1s).

...And of course whatever is the smallest RX that will bind to your TX

 

[xuzme720]

Ok, I need to find a super small Frsky Rx...What is a good all up weight to shoot for?

 

[zev]

how well do you think it would work… up scaled, like 200%?

 

[valiantglx]

Ok, I need to find a super small Frsky Rx...What is a good all up weight to shoot for?

Currently mine weighs 38g (v2.5), but my V1 weighed about 48g and still worked well. I wouldn't go any higher than 50g though. Also the hinged and glued airframe weighs 11g, so you could have a maximum of just under 40g of electronics

how well do you think it would work… up scaled, like 200%?

It should still fly well I think. The current wingspan is 570mm so 200% would give it a span of 1140mm. At that size I would use 6mm depron rather than the suggested 3mm.

It would be more like an Eagle then, rather than the Sparrow it is now lol

 

[squishy]

Does this actually fly like a sparrow and zoom around above the water snatching bugs?

 

[valiantglx]

Does this actually fly like a sparrow and zoom around above the water snatching bugs?

Absolutely! A 5030 prop makes a mean mosquito shredder

 

[BuddyMartin]

That is a neat plane. I'd like to see a build video on this.

 

[valiantglx]

That is a neat plane. I'd like to see a build video on this.

Yeah Buddy Thanks for the support.

It would truly be a dream come true if Flite Test made a video of my Sparrow

 

[planemad man]

flite test should def build this valient

 

[zev]

flitetest must build this. also, I think I might ave a go at upscaling and making it out of adams.

 

[valiantglx]

The Sparrow V3 is Here!​

I think I will name this one the "Sparrow Hawk". This Sparrow now features generous ailerons with the option to go larger for crazy response. It also boasts a high flat plate wing and basic KFm2 airfoil while retaining the trademark side air ducts.

You may have also noticed that I re-designed the motor mount on the V3 to support a brushless motor. However you can still use the 1st page from the v2.5 if you want it to be brushed. Alternatively you could use the 1st page of the V3 plans on the v2.5 to make the v2.5 brushless too.

The Sparrow Hawk can support 1s or 2s operation, however on 2s you may want to add some aerodynamic counterbalances to relive some stress put on the aileron servos.

Here are my recommended electronics:

• APO5 5000kv (73g of static thrust on 1s)
• APO5 3000kv (100g+ of thrust on 2s)
• Nano-tech 300mah 1s
• Nano-tech 260 - 300mah 2s
• 1.7g Hobby King servo (for 1s or large ailerons)
• 1.9g Hobby King servo (for 2s or MEGA ailerons)
• Hobby King 3a 1s ESC
• Hobby King 6a 2s ESC
• Spektrum AR6400 style receiver preferably with AS3X (note for 2s operation you will need to place a diode in between the BEC output and the receiver to reduce the voltage going to the receiver)

On 1s or 2s Brushless this will definitely be a 3D aircraft and if the v2.5 is any thing to go on, the V3 should also be able to fly relatively slowly and controlled making for one really wide flight envelope. Also if you choose to make it brushed it will still be a joy to fly, but instead of 3D it will be more like a sporty aerobatic plane, and of course on low rates it should still be as docile as a newly born kitten

This is the second installment in my "Swappable Sparrow Series". The idea is to keep the AR6400 in one central location so it can easily be swapped over to the other Sparrows linkages and all.

Next in the line up will be the "Twin Sparrow", I think the name explains it all. This will also be great in conjunction with a micro FPV setup such as this one offered by FPVhobby.com

 

[valiantglx]

Again thanks for the support guys, hopefully Flite Test notices your comments, and to any new comers to this thread please don't hesitate to show your support too by simply expressing your interest in Flite Test featuring the Sparrow in one of their videos.

 

[earthsciteach]

I like the looks of the plane. Have you built one without the dihedral?

 

[valiantglx]

I like the looks of the plane. Have you built one without the dihedral?

I just completed the V3 plans which feature a flat wing, and I should have it built in the next few days

See my previous post for the V3 PDF's

 

[valiantglx]

How to build the V3 Sparrow Hawk​

I have nearly completed the Sparrow Hawk (V3) now, and I have encountered a small issue with the plans. When I changed parts A1, A2, B1, B2 and C I forgot to change parts D and F to suit. So when I built my V3 this is what happened:

So the first step in making the Sparrow Hawk (V3) is to make a small adjustment to the plans, see the picture below:

Now that is sorted out, you can lay out your plans and begin cutting out the pieces:

Now that you have the pieces cut out you are going to want to tape parts D, D1 and D2 together, as well as parts F, F1 and F2, which should leave you with the below parts:

Here's a little tip: leave a bit of extra paper on the joining edges of parts D and F. This makes it easier to line up and tape together.

Now tape the pieces to a sheet of 3mm depron, with the exception of parts A1 and A2, these should be cut out of 6mm depron. When cutting the pieces out I like to start with the score lines and then tape over the cuts. Then I cut out the holes where the pieces slot together, and finally cut around the outlines.

Here's a few pics of the pieces assembled and taped together:

I am particularly proud of my angled ailerons. In theory, because they are angled they should be more effective, I think. Only time will tell opcorn:

Also if you read my last update you may have noticed this sentence: "The Sparrow Hawk can support 1s or 2s operation, however on 2s you may want to add some aerodynamic counterbalances to relive some stress put on the aileron servos."

If you aren't sure what I mean, see the below picture. The reason why I left them off the plans is because I'm not 100% sure what I am dabbling with here, thus I don't really know how big to make them.

Preparing the Fuselage ​

So with a bit of luck you should have the below pieces:

First step is to hinge the rudder. You want to cut a 45° angle on each side of the score line. After I cut the angles in I like to run the back edge of the knife over them to smooth them out.

Once you have cut the angles in tape both sides with hinge tape (I use 3M)

Take parts A1 and A2 then roughly cut the edge off the round side.

Which should leave you with the parts looking like this:

Now sand them until they are smooth and nicely rounded.

Now glue parts A1 to B1 and A2 to B2

Allow a moment for the glue to dry, then sand the outer lower edge of parts B1 and B2. Also clean up any burrs on these parts too.

Now glue parts B1 and B2 to the Main Body C

Finally round off the edges of the assembled fuselage with some sand paper and try to sand the motor mount section so the 2 surfaces are flat and smooth. Now would also be a good time to paint it if you wish.

Here's a couple of cheeky shots of my APO5 5000kv sitting in position:

Preparing the Top Center Section, Wings and Airfoil​

You should have the below pieces:

The first step should be hinging the ailerons and the elevator. Use the same process as I described for the rudder.

The airfoil doesn't need much prep work at this stage (just sand off any burrs on the trailing edge), simply but carefully glue it to the main wing.

Use a ruler and exacto knife to cut an angle on the top and bottom of the leading edge.

Now sand the leading edge until it is smooth and has a nice shallow angle. Also sand off the burrs and the sharp edges from all around the top center section/wings.

Which should leave you with something looking like this:

Preparing the Side Force Generators and the Lower Wing/support​

Here are the pieces in question:

Lightly sand the edges around the SFGs

Sand a nice leading edge on to the lower wing/support

Finally sand a very shallow angle on the edges of the lower wing/support where it will meet the main wings.

Now all the prep work is complete it is time to start adding some electronics

Electrics & Assembly Part I​

Test fit your motor and ESC, cut the wires to length and solder on the appropriate connectors. Also ensure that your motor is spinning in the correct direction (if not then swap any 2 wires).

Now glue on your motor mount and attach the ESC with double sided tape. Also note that I added a toothpick in for extra strength.

Before gluing on the main wing/center section, cover your motor wires with some tape to prevent them getting clogged up with glue.

Now carefully glue the fuselage to the main wing/center section, making sure that everything is straight and true. Note: you may want to use epoxy for this step as it will give you a bit more time to move everything into place.

Now what you have so far should look like this:

The next step will be to add the aileron servos and receiver.... opcorn:

V3 Electrics & Assembly Part II​

Poke some holes through the wings for the servo wires.

Join the servo wires together and solder on the UM servo plug in a Y configuration, just like using a Y harness but without the extra plugs. I wish I had some smaller gauge wire and shrink tube to make things a bit cleaner and lighter though.

Cut some holes out for the plugs to reach the battery and receiver on the top.

Cut out some recesses for any bulky connections and tape the wires down flat.

Now glue on the lower wing/support.

While you're at it glue on the side force generators too.

Now this is what it should look like. Close to completion and a maiden

The next and final steps will be to add the control linkages, setup the transmitter settings, and program the AS3X. Stay tuned opcorn:

 

[valiantglx]

flitetest must build this. also, I think I might ave a go at upscaling and making it out of adams.

RCSquale over in the Sparrow thread on RCGroups has built a Sparrow v2.5 2.5x larger than the plans. He is nearly ready for a maiden too.