FT *Unofficial* EDF TRAINER

[L Edge]

So, you want to be a jet jockey. The 2 main areas that cause crashes and destruction are taken offs, landing, where one has to relearn how to fly using EDF(s). Putting into 3 words- throttle management proficiency- to be in control of your speed for launch, turns, approaches, lineup of runway, and flaring. As for speed, your will be ready to build a fast one and not worry about destroying it. This one is for technique.

So I decided to design a jet trainer that is easy to build/re-build, cheap, and let's you practice to move up to the SR-71's and A-10's models that you want to fly.
Rather than re-invent, going to modify Josh's F-22 MKR 2 and mine weighs in at exactly 1 lb, ready to fly. Why chose this, with the large elevons, it will closely resemble the sensitivity of many other jets. (It is built and maiden already, need to get flight time in the winds.)

The key to success is to target the weight and get the CG correct to be successful. I will add a version to install landing gear so it gives you practice to eliminate the porpoise effect of bouncing up and down landing(s) that in many cases causes damage to your model.

Cost:
Purchased from MotionRC, a 64mm 5 blade 3S EDF, Freewing model 72011E for $40 and a 3S,4S 40 amp Freewing ESC (includeds reverse) for $30 plus you must have a 1300Lipo around. So with 2 sheets of Adam's board and $70 you have a trainer jet.

With enough practice, you then can do flying in a tight area. Had to land it(running out of runway) quickly and had 11 feet to hit the shack. Majority of my jets are 5 bladed 64MM, so I never broke the bank in my designs.

Here is the model that I ended up with and going to explain how I built it, step by step.

Will process video of "White Knight" next.

 

[Mr Man]

So, you want to be a jet jockey. The 2 main areas that cause crashes and destruction are taken offs, landing, where one has to relearn how to fly using EDF(s). Putting into 3 words- throttle management proficiency- to be in control of your speed for launch, turns, approaches, lineup of runway, and flaring. As for speed, your will be ready to build a fast one and not worry about destroying it. This one is for technique.

So I decided to design a jet trainer that is easy to build/re-build, cheap, and let's you practice to move up to the SR-71's and A-10's models that you want to fly.
Rather than re-invent, going to modify Josh's F-22 MKR 2 and mine weighs in at exactly 1 lb, ready to fly. Why chose this, with the large elevons, it will closely resemble the sensitivity of many other jets. (It is built and maiden already, need to get flight time in the winds.)

The key to success is to target the weight and get the CG correct to be successful. I will add a version to install landing gear so it gives you practice to eliminate the porpoise effect of bouncing up and down landing(s) that in many cases causes damage to your model.

Cost:
Purchased from MotionRC, a 64mm 5 blade 3S EDF, Freewing model 72011E for $40 and a 3S,4S 40 amp Freewing ESC (includeds reverse) for $30 plus you must have a 1300Lipo around. So with 2 sheets of Adam's board and $70 you have a trainer jet.

With enough practice, you then can do flying in a tight area. Had to land it(running out of runway) quickly and had 11 feet to hit the shack. Majority of my jets are 5 bladed 64MM, so I never broke the bank in my designs.

Here is the model that I ended up with and going to explain how I built it, step by step.

View attachment 250241

Will process video of "White Knight" next.

Hmm, I just so happen to have all of those things... except for a spare receiver but those are only $16

 

[telnar1236]

Looks good!

 

[LitterBug]

VERY cool!

 

[L Edge]

First thing is to go to Sponz's Index, scroll down to "FT Mighty Mini Series" and choose "FT Mini F-22" and download the file and print/put together.
Build video for overall guidance: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-22-mkr2/
Scroll down to bottom(right side) for build video.

Points to remember before cutting out plan.
Page 3: Elevons are designed to include thrust vector components. Don't cut out until new lines are added. Then cutout.

Page 4: Add 1/2 inch to the bottom of 2 side plates to accommodate dia of EDF.
Don't cut lower notch in nose segment until EDF is installed.

Look at page 3 and 4

FT Mini F-22 v1.0 AIO.pdf

drive.google.com

Build Instructions:
1) Build nose section according to video. To keep weight down, battery area was modified with different cover that I will show.
2) Exhaust tube for EDF: First, find dia of EDF and get circumference and add 1/8". Make the length 11" long which you will cut to give proper CG later.
3) One side of exhaust tube will be peeled of paper and rolled with round pipe(use hair dryer to warm up paper) so you get close to a circular tube as possible. Don't reduce exit, it becomes PITA, and it should be able to slide tightly over the EDF exhaust and be nice and straight for the full length. I then took scotch tape and taped outside at joined ends and 2 other positions along the 11 inches.
Then used Scotch packing tape and ran piece inside the tube the full length to prevent leakage. Then did the same outside and took round bar inside and rolled it so it will become close to round once again. When gluing, want the seam on the bottom plate to give the tube strength.

"

Now slide the duct onto the EDF and cut a narrow groove(one wire wide) to handle the electric wires that is 90 degrees from the tape joint. Take glue gun and put small amount of glue every 90 degrees to secure EDF to duct. Fill hole around wires with glue to prevent air loss from inside duct. Then wrap ducting to outside EDF to seal all the way around. To check for leaks, cover EDF with hand and blow on exit area and see if it holds pressure.

 

[LitterBug]

Slick Vectoring design without extra effort to set up!

 

[L Edge]

Slick Vectoring design without extra effort to set up!

That way, the pilot will understand the sensitivity of jets and it isn't moving that fast so that you have time to learn how to adjust to EDF's.
I preferer the thrust vectoring unit(ball shape) which allows you to slow down for flaring(higher AOA) and reduces length of runway needed to land.
Another advantage is that you can fly it in higher winds with TV. One axis can be used for yaw especially in crosswinds..