Centus
Member
Hi everybody,
I just finished the prototype of my P-38 mod to the FT Bronco design. I really like the Bronco, but I wasn't a huge fan of the way the center fuselage looked. I also reeeeeally like the P-38 Lightning, so if I was going to change things around, why not make it more P-38-like? There are a few notable changes I made to the design, but they're mostly aesthetic.
1. Wing design: I used a three-view diagram of a P-38 to establish a ratio of boom-length to wingspan. This gave me a wingspan of 50", which is about 6" longer than the Bronco. I also added a taper and the rounded wing tips of the P-38. My wing template is shown below:
2. Tail-end control surfaces: I reshaped the elevator and rudders to have rounded tips. The rudders don't go below the boom like they do on the P-38, but I decided that I'd rather keep the extra ground clearance of the Bronco.
3. Retractable landing gear! I used this set from Hobbyking: Turnigy 90 degree Tricycle Retract System (2kg AUW max)
I cut out pieces from plywood, glued them to the bottom of the center fuselage and power pods, then used screws through the foam, into the wood from the inside to mount the retracts. It is nice that two of the retracts will move with the power pods, in case I want to try this system on something else.
4. Center fuselage: I used the plans from Filken's P-38 article. I had to change the wing cutout of course, but that was pretty much it. Lots of room inside for all the wiring, and the nose is the perfect width to fit my GoPro Hero with the protective case! Thanks Filken!
My wife and I went down to the flying field earlier this evening and did the maiden flight of this bird. It was very nice!! She taxied, took off and flew a few patterns really well with 50% throws in bank-and-yank mode. Unfortunately I botched the landing... but even so everything is still A-OK.
Here is the video!
Some specs:
Motors: Turnigy D3530-14 1100kv with HK 30A esc's
Props: 8x4.5, counter-rotating (10" diameter props will fit, will try these soon)
Wingspan: 50" (1270 mm)
AUW: 2.5 lbs (1134 g) with 2200 mAh 3S 30C LiPo
I just finished the prototype of my P-38 mod to the FT Bronco design. I really like the Bronco, but I wasn't a huge fan of the way the center fuselage looked. I also reeeeeally like the P-38 Lightning, so if I was going to change things around, why not make it more P-38-like? There are a few notable changes I made to the design, but they're mostly aesthetic.
1. Wing design: I used a three-view diagram of a P-38 to establish a ratio of boom-length to wingspan. This gave me a wingspan of 50", which is about 6" longer than the Bronco. I also added a taper and the rounded wing tips of the P-38. My wing template is shown below:
2. Tail-end control surfaces: I reshaped the elevator and rudders to have rounded tips. The rudders don't go below the boom like they do on the P-38, but I decided that I'd rather keep the extra ground clearance of the Bronco.
3. Retractable landing gear! I used this set from Hobbyking: Turnigy 90 degree Tricycle Retract System (2kg AUW max)
I cut out pieces from plywood, glued them to the bottom of the center fuselage and power pods, then used screws through the foam, into the wood from the inside to mount the retracts. It is nice that two of the retracts will move with the power pods, in case I want to try this system on something else.
4. Center fuselage: I used the plans from Filken's P-38 article. I had to change the wing cutout of course, but that was pretty much it. Lots of room inside for all the wiring, and the nose is the perfect width to fit my GoPro Hero with the protective case! Thanks Filken!
My wife and I went down to the flying field earlier this evening and did the maiden flight of this bird. It was very nice!! She taxied, took off and flew a few patterns really well with 50% throws in bank-and-yank mode. Unfortunately I botched the landing... but even so everything is still A-OK.
Here is the video!
Some specs:
Motors: Turnigy D3530-14 1100kv with HK 30A esc's
Props: 8x4.5, counter-rotating (10" diameter props will fit, will try these soon)
Wingspan: 50" (1270 mm)
AUW: 2.5 lbs (1134 g) with 2200 mAh 3S 30C LiPo
.
