EZ-Skilpad 1.2

[AgentC]

AgentC submitted a new resource:

EZ-Skilpad - The ultimate slow flyer. Also, the ultimate glider... As one plane. Is this a possibility? Let's try

A custom design for Flite Test's '2023 Red Bull Flutag Design Challenge'.
View attachment 239108

Throw the plane with no power, have it glide, then add some throttle and bring it around again and catch it on the glide back to you.
It's like playing fetch with your dog. But, you know, without needing an actual dog...

Read more about this resource...

 

[AgentC]

Build Log:

1. Print out and stick the plans together.
   
   
2. Cut out the parts. Bevel the wing's leading edge (except where the fuselage meets).
   
3. Remove the paper from the top of the wing. Glue the tail Vertial stabilizers/fins at 90°. The plans have a double-bevel to create a cleaner outside edge, but you can also just go the usual FT cavity removal technique if that is your preference.
   
4. Add tape to the anhedral folds on the top side of the tail for reinforcement.
   
   
5. Remove paper from the remainder of the top and bottom of the wing section now.
   
   
6. Add tape on the bottom side where the dihederal lines are. Glue and set the wings (at 15°) using the guages, tucked under the wing, up against where the crease is.The middle of the fuselage should always be flay on the table.
   
   
7. Put the wing aside for the moment. Grab the fuselage and remove the cavities (if you haven't done so already). Leave the powerpod cut section alone for now. We'll cut it out later.
   
8. Add the doublers
   
9. Glue the sides of the fuselage where the powerpod will eventually go.
   
10. Glue the back section next, and then ensure the bevel is flat with the angle of the fuselage.
    
11. Glue the nose, section buy section.
    
12. Now that the fuselage is done, cut out the tab for the Power Pod. If you're making only a chuck glider, instead of cutting out the whole rectable, create a tab so that you can add weight in the nose.
    
13. Check (dry fit) the fuselage to the wing, then glue it in.
    
14. Set the anhedral on the tail section by using Guage 2 and setting the fuselage flat on the table.
    
15. Chuck glider complete! The plane balances with a 350mAh Lipo (about 10g) in the nose, using the doublers for friction fits)
    

Add the EZ Pack:

1. Before installing the motors, make sure you have the props in the correct configuration for a puller. (swap props and insert them 'backwards'). Install the control board to the power pod adapter/holder.
   
   
2. Tape the motor mounts into place. White/black wire to the right, red/blue to the left and then feed the wires in through the slots in the fuselage (inder the wing)
   
   
3. Plug the wires into the control board and glue the power pod into the fuselage.
   
   
4. Done! Enjoy flying! On the CG marks, the plane in free flight should glide gently in a downwards slope, and when power is added, it should fly nice and slow with a slight high-alpha configuration.
   

 

[AgentC]

Here's the article that goes along with the contest

 

[Foamforce]

That’s a nice looking design! I’d like to try it but I have a question. The EZ pack v2 doesn’t come with the gray plastic power pod adapter, it’s just the naked circuit board. Do you know if the adapter is still for sale or is somebody has stl plans for it? I couldn’t find it on Thingiverse.

 

[AgentC]

That’s a nice looking design! I’d like to try it but I have a question. The EZ pack v2 doesn’t come with the gray plastic power pod adapter, it’s just the naked circuit board. Do you know if the adapter is still for sale or is somebody has stl plans for it? I couldn’t find it on Thingiverse.

Right, I have so many of those pods floating around I didn't even think of checking to see if the v2's had them.
I don't have an STL file, but there's a simple solution: I'll update the plans to include holes for the control board (antenna, LED and on/off switch, and then a simple hatch).

 

[AgentC]

AgentC updated EZ-Skilpad with a new update entry:

Version 1.2, Updating to include v2 EZ Pack

A small update:

1. Added cut lines for the control board and access hatch, if you don't have access (or don't want to use) the v1 Freighter power pod holder.
2. Added cut lines for the v2 motors.

Read the rest of this update entry...

 

[FoamBoardRookie_India]

Hi,
Have you tried the skilpad with V2 power pack?
Des it have the same characteristics?

 

[AgentC]

Hi,
Have you tried the skilpad with V2 power pack?
Des it have the same characteristics?

I haven't, but I'll throw the V2 pack on and let you know!

 

[AgentC]

Hi,
Have you tried the skilpad with V2 power pack?
Des it have the same characteristics?

So I swapped out the electronics, and the V2 power pack has the same tenancies as with the V1

 

[luvmy40]

I cut a couple of these when you first posted the plans. I finally got around to building one for my grandson tonight.
I didn't have the plans for the EZ V2 pack so I just modified it on the fly and built it before I looked at the build log. I got the fuse mounted on top of the wing, but it glides nicely. I'll try to do a short shake down with it before gifting it to Xzavier.

 

[AgentC]

I cut a couple of these when you first posted the plans. I finally got around to building one for my grandson tonight.
I didn't have the plans for the EZ V2 pack so I just modified it on the fly and built it before I looked at the build log. I got the fuse mounted on top of the wing, but it glides nicely. I'll try to do a short shake down with it before gifting it to Xzavier.

View attachment 241078

Well that's an interesting take! Let us know how it goes

 

[luvmy40]

Got out for a test flight today. I think it's just a bit tail heavy. There was a fairly steady breeze, not too stiff, maybe 3-5 mph but constant. She flew down wind fine, but refused to come back upwind. I actually held a helicopter for a few seconds.

I did not peel any paper except for the inside of the fuse nose.