I am SO EXCITED about the upcoming 2017 Flite Fest International Air Races and FTFF 2017 International Air Races Design Off!! :applause:
I love this era of plane - the most graceful flying machines ever built (IMHO)
So for the build challenge, and my very first scratch build design, I'll be tackling the Caudron C.450/C.460
From looking at historical technical papers, the only difference between the planes is the addition of retractable landing gear on the C.460 - all other shapes of the plane, power plant, etc. stayed the same between the models. I'll be doing the prototype as a belly lander, so we'll call it a C.460
I've been rolling through the excellent tutorial videos and info from NerdNic and LocalFiend to learn more about this DTFB design stuff. Initially I've been using InkPad - an SVG editor for the iPad with layer and image importing support - cause it's more portable than my desktop. However, I find that when I export an SVG out from InkPad it will load into Inkscape, but I can't go back in the opposite direction. So that's a little awkward. Eventually the plans will be moved into a CAD package for CNC / Laser cutting.
The plan is to use a standard FliteTest power pod and about a 40" wing span. I'd love to keep a rounded fuselage shape so there will be some poster board and former construction going on. I really liked the removable hatch design on AirPirate's Rascal Racer, and will see if I can work something similar in. Also supremely impressed with NerdNic's wing designs, and will be paying close attention to the Chipmunk's proportions as I get this closer to the prototype stage.
I found a good 3 view and started tracing.
Have the main shapes and wing worked out so far.
More progress to post soon - the computer design part is much quicker than the physical building
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Plans, Skins, and Electronics Requirements
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Next time I'll put up a second post when I initially start the design thread as a place to park the final files. But for now, I'll just be updating this addendum to the first post.
Here's what she looks like before the maiden flight Keep reading to see what happened later... :black_eyed:
The zip file linked below has a svg and pdf version of the plans with notations for which parts are plywood vs foam and where the bamboo reinforcement skewers go. Also included are plans and skins files are both pdf with the paper size set for Arch E size (36" x 48") that Staples can use to make color engineering prints so you don't have to live through the paper tiling process.
Caudron C.460 Plans & Skins v12.1 ZIP
This is the 1/6 scale set which is a good bit bigger than my initial prototype. She tips the scales at 33 oz - just a touch over 2 pounds with a 3s2200 battery.
Going with a Power Up 25 Speed 1100kv from Heads Up Hobby which has a power and performance profile right between NerdNic's recommended "Advanced" and "Speed" setups for his 40" wingspan planes. Paired up with a 60amp ESC, 6 amp BEC, and starting with an 11x5.5 prop first for a 'little' more thrust to keep airborne, and after better understanding the flight characteristics switching to a 10x7 prop for more forward airspeed.
Build instructions are in this thread starting at Post #80
I love this era of plane - the most graceful flying machines ever built (IMHO)
So for the build challenge, and my very first scratch build design, I'll be tackling the Caudron C.450/C.460
From looking at historical technical papers, the only difference between the planes is the addition of retractable landing gear on the C.460 - all other shapes of the plane, power plant, etc. stayed the same between the models. I'll be doing the prototype as a belly lander, so we'll call it a C.460
I've been rolling through the excellent tutorial videos and info from NerdNic and LocalFiend to learn more about this DTFB design stuff. Initially I've been using InkPad - an SVG editor for the iPad with layer and image importing support - cause it's more portable than my desktop. However, I find that when I export an SVG out from InkPad it will load into Inkscape, but I can't go back in the opposite direction. So that's a little awkward. Eventually the plans will be moved into a CAD package for CNC / Laser cutting.
The plan is to use a standard FliteTest power pod and about a 40" wing span. I'd love to keep a rounded fuselage shape so there will be some poster board and former construction going on. I really liked the removable hatch design on AirPirate's Rascal Racer, and will see if I can work something similar in. Also supremely impressed with NerdNic's wing designs, and will be paying close attention to the Chipmunk's proportions as I get this closer to the prototype stage.
I found a good 3 view and started tracing.
Have the main shapes and wing worked out so far.
More progress to post soon - the computer design part is much quicker than the physical building
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Plans, Skins, and Electronics Requirements
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Next time I'll put up a second post when I initially start the design thread as a place to park the final files. But for now, I'll just be updating this addendum to the first post.
Here's what she looks like before the maiden flight Keep reading to see what happened later... :black_eyed:
The zip file linked below has a svg and pdf version of the plans with notations for which parts are plywood vs foam and where the bamboo reinforcement skewers go. Also included are plans and skins files are both pdf with the paper size set for Arch E size (36" x 48") that Staples can use to make color engineering prints so you don't have to live through the paper tiling process.
Caudron C.460 Plans & Skins v12.1 ZIP
This is the 1/6 scale set which is a good bit bigger than my initial prototype. She tips the scales at 33 oz - just a touch over 2 pounds with a 3s2200 battery.
Going with a Power Up 25 Speed 1100kv from Heads Up Hobby which has a power and performance profile right between NerdNic's recommended "Advanced" and "Speed" setups for his 40" wingspan planes. Paired up with a 60amp ESC, 6 amp BEC, and starting with an 11x5.5 prop first for a 'little' more thrust to keep airborne, and after better understanding the flight characteristics switching to a 10x7 prop for more forward airspeed.
Build instructions are in this thread starting at Post #80
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