FTFC19 VF-1 Foam Valkyrie designed by Carlos AR

Aero_Knight

Member
The Plan: (As of 09/18/18 09/17/18)

This thread will keep track of my progress as I try to design and build an aircraft based on the VF-1A Valkyrie and two of its specialized modes, the FIGHTER and GERWALK. I have been wanting to try this for years and decided to bite the bullet and put some legit effort into making this happen. Initially I will be aiming for EDF with controls being shared between a 6-channel TX and an on-board microprocessor for active stability assist when in and transforming into/from the GERWALK mode. First goal is to get a flyable system after testing the engine pod design. Then implementing a microprocessor or gyro setup to help with stability will lead into the GERWALK mode testing. Enjoy and any tips, tricks, opinions, ideas are more than welcome!

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VF-1 Valkyrie Background:
The VF-1 Valkyrie is a fictional aircraft mecha from the 1980s animated series “Robotech” from Harmony Gold USA/Tatsunoko. The series is a treat to watch but a better read with the Jack McKinney novelizations. The premise is that unique alien technology crash lands on Earth and after humans attempt to repurpose it, the Earth is attacked by a new group of aliens after the crashed ship and its powerful technology. The technology revolves around a new energy source called “protoculture” that enabled the development of advanced robotics and technology on Earth. The fighter aircraft on Earth use “Robotechnology” that uses energy source and enables the aircraft to perform complex transformations for different purposes.

Veritech (Variable) Fighter [VF]:
The VF-1 Valkyrie is the first “mass-produced” veritech fighter aircraft to use the advanced technology and has three unique configuration modes. The FIGHTER, GERWALK and BATTLOID modes each provide unique advantages in combat. Transforming into each mode is a complex ballet of moving components but can be done at extreme speeds thanks to the advanced technology found on the crashed alien ship.

FIGHTER (Mode F):
The FIGHTER mode is the standard mode that looks very similar to any basic aircraft. The VF-1 in particular is a twin engine variable sweep aircraft based off of the F-14 Tomcat with a tail similar to the F-18 Hornet. Vectoring thrust from the two engine pods as well as Vernier thrusters on the wings and nose provide maximum maneuverability in and out of atmospheric environments.
VF-1 views.gif

GERWALK (Mode G):
This mode is the mixture of both the FIGHTER and BATTLOID modes. The aircraft drops the engine pods below the fuselage and forward facing. The pods act as legs similar to an ostrich with the nozzles being the feet. Arms that were hidden underneath the now folded tail between the engine pods, swing out and help balance the half robot, half aircraft system. In this mode, the vehicle can walk or hover above the ground, taking advantage of ground effect when moving. Larger Vernier thrusters revealed when the tail folds up are used to support balance and forward propulsion in this mode. The F and G modes are the ultimate goals for this RC design.
hsg65725_box_1484524337.jpg

BATTLOID (Mode B):
Although not planned for this design, the BATTLOID mode is the full bi-pedal robot configuration. The wings swing all the way back under the folded tail and thruster pack that looks like a jet pack. The legs are swung further forward, and the hip joints attach to sockets in the nose. The cockpit slides up behind a shield and the vehicle folds in half revealing the robot head that spins forward. The arms slide to the sides and the final result is a humanoid robot.
vf-1a-dyrl-hikaru-battroid.gif



Goals:

FIGHTER Mode
1) It can fly
2) Variable wing geometry
3) Vectoring Thrust
4) >1.5:1 TWR
5) It can fly

GERALK Mode
1) It can support itself on the ground
2) It can hover
3) It can transform while on the ground from G to F and the reverse
4) It can fly in mode G
5) It can transition from G to F and the reverse while flying

Current Design Steps:
  • Complete performance envelope calculations for stability and feasibility
    • EShot.png
  • Develop/procure Bill of Materials (BOM) that meets envelope requirements
  • Develop EDF Engine Pod Test Bed (Foam Board/Wood)
  • Develop Control Board/Software Program for stability and control drivers
  • Develop EDF Flight Test Model (Foam Board/Wood)
  • Maiden Flight FTM in mode F
  • Validate and improve performance in mode F
  • Maiden Flight FTM in mode G
  • Validate and improve stability in mode G
  • Test transition from mode G to F and F to G on the ground/air
  • Improve transition time with software/hardware improvements
  • Push the structure limits by transforming while under forward motion from mode F to G at higher and higher speeds.
  • Investigate potential for scaling vehicle smaller or larger with goal of jet engine variant
EDF Goal Performance Specs:
Weight: <6lbs (2.7kg)
Thrust (Total): 12lbs (5.3kg)
EDF Size: 70-80mm
Flight Time: >1min

Controls/Actuation Breakdown:
Wing Sweep: 1 micro servo with the right linkage should be able to actuate the wings.
Aileron: The VF-1 does have aileron surfaces, however, I will not be including them initially as to simplify the setup and keep the weight low.
Elevator: Most pitch control comes from thrust vectoring, however there is a large flap behind the tail section on the VF-1 that acts as an elevator of sorts. I think for the initial design I may not include it to simplify the setup and keep the weight low.
Rudder: The twin tails of the VF-1 are only there for stability in my opinion. I will need to do a bit of research to verify so yaw will be controlled using differential thrust.
Nozzles (Feet): The 1D vectoring nozzles on the VF-1 are split top and bottom so they can be spread for use as feet in the G and B modes. Otherwise they work together to vector thrust in the vertical dimension only. For my design, each engine pod will have two linear servos that control each nozzle half separately.
Engine Pod (Hip): The hip in the G mode is complex. It has to lower the knees below the aircraft belly as well as rotate to provide the engine pod dihedral from the aircraft centerline. I plan to bind both hips at the initial joint a drive them with a single servo. Then separate servos will rotate at hip joint to provide the dihedral angles for each leg. This will be the hardest to implement and still be structurally sound and light.
Engine Pod (Knee): A single servo for each knee should be sufficient to provide the range of motion needed.
Pitch Control: In mode F, I should have full control with my TX with the elevator channel controlling the knee joint a specific range of angles. In mode G, I will still have the same control but works with a microcontroller or gyro tasked with maintaining the vehicle as level as possible.
Roll Control: In mode F, I should have full control with my TX with the aileron channel controlling the nozzle angles. In mode G, control will be primarily from a microcontroller or gyro tasked with maintaining the vehicle as level as possible. If I want to “roll” the vehicle in mode G, the rudder channel will need to be used which controls the thrust levels in each engine pod.
Yaw Control: In mode F, I should have full control with my TX with the rudder channel controlling the differential of the two engines. An alternative differential control that was suggested is to add a clamshell thrust level system in each leg that would also use the rudder channel. In mode G, I control yaw with the aileron channel which works with a microcontroller or gyro tasked with maintaining the vehicle as level as possible.
Tail Fold (Mode G): Folding the tail over may be possible mechanically by tying it to the hip drop servo.
Tail Vernier Thruster: It may be possible to add a micro EDF to the tail that can support balance and directional control while in mode G. Not a primary objective though.
Arms: Although they may assist with balance, I will not be planning on implementing them at this scale unless someone thinks they have a great idea for implementing efficiently.

Current Design Progress: Leg Section 90% Complete. Re did the proportions of the leg. Initial core design, nose sections will probably be done by hand so it would be smoother than shown. The bends are really just place holders. The wing core, tail element, and the wings themselves are all that's left to work on. So far the model is looking to be 3.2lbs without glue/hardware, the ESCs, batteries, RX, hip servos (<3), sweep servo and the gyro/sensor/processor. I think being under 6lbs is plausible depending on the battery setup. The CG right now is just above the knee lined up with the forward bulkhead of the calf section, close to where I want it to be for right now.

VF-1 A.png

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Gojira

New member
might look into things like the tinyduino for a microprocessor the whole board is about the size of a quarter. it can also run a servo controller board (up to 16 channels) and a triple axis gyro board
 

Aero_Knight

Member
might look into things like the tinyduino for a microprocessor the whole board is about the size of a quarter. it can also run a servo controller board (up to 16 channels) and a triple axis gyro board

I have an arduino and an accel gyro shield left over from my balancing robot to start messing with the code, once i feel comfortable I'll dive into shrinking it all. Unfortunately money took a hit thanks to preparing for the hurricane so purchases are going to be delayed on the electronics end of things including the EDFs. Ill probably focus on structures for now since test beds can be made really cheap.
 

Aero_Knight

Member
Updated to include pictures of the prototype thigh/inlet and knee joint. I am getting a lot more confident in this build. Current leg weight is 1.5lbs, includes, 1 high torque servo, 2 9g servos (might need high torque micros), 1 EDF kit, inlet/thigh section (foam board), knee joint (foam board), calf section (foam board), top/bottom nozzle. I still am not sure if the foam board will hold up to what I might put it through but the same patterns should work with balsa/basswood even if thinner to save some weight. It will at least look good LOL.
 

Aero_Knight

Member
So I am mid way through building an FT Corsair from the plans with some really cheap but awesome looking black $1 foam board and I think I need to review the knee joint again. If I use the foam board I have there is probably no way it'll support the leg properly. If I get some denser stuff it will probably be fine initially but unless it gets beefed up or is made from balsa/bass wood it probably will fail at some point as is, especially if its going to support weight in the Mode G config. I may add a folded layer to the non-servo side as an added precaution if I go with foam board. I'll post the pattern later tonight and perhaps ya'll can provide some input. I wan't to avoid using a metal servo bracket and joint at this prototype foam board stage of the design but if I have to, I can afford some added weight from wood material in that area if it means successful actuation. I also thought of getting some super thin bass wood and creating a kind of hybrid foam/wood board panel that gives a little extra strength without being 100% wood.
 

kilroy07

Legendary member
See if you can find some Gator-board locally (art/hobby supply store maybe, Amazon too.) It's pretty tough stuff without being as heavy as wood...
 

Aero_Knight

Member
See if you can find some Gator-board locally (art/hobby supply store maybe, Amazon too.) It's pretty tough stuff without being as heavy as wood...
Might go spelunking at Hobby Lobby or Michael's for now. I'll prototype with the FB I have since I bought a ton of it and then make the robust version with the harder stuff.
 

FoamyDM

Building Fool-Flying Noob
Moderator
The Leg looks righteous! I have been looking at inset curved ducts to pull of the >90 deg. bend down for the reverse knee.
My Plan was to use plastic in a groove as tendon in the back and hing on the front for push pull or just use the old school push-pull fishing line technique as the "cables" would be flexible. this way I can keep the heavier metal geared servos near the leg to and CG.
I have to determine proper CG for the craft before I finish the calcs as VF-9 is like the X-29 the traditional calculators may not be right...
as you know, CG is EVERYTHING on this/these VF models.
 

Aero_Knight

Member
The Leg looks righteous! I have been looking at inset curved ducts to pull of the >90 deg. bend down for the reverse knee.
My Plan was to use plastic in a groove as tendon in the back and hing on the front for push pull or just use the old school push-pull fishing line technique as the "cables" would be flexible. this way I can keep the heavier metal geared servos near the leg to and CG.
I have to determine proper CG for the craft before I finish the calcs as VF-9 is like the X-29 the traditional calculators may not be right...
as you know, CG is EVERYTHING on this/these VF models.
So I think we can get away with not needing to duct 100% through to the inlet in Mode G if we are just hovering since we aren't using jet turbines and can just leave the back of the knee joint open to the air. However, in forward flight we will need it. For me, the knee opening is 2" x 2" so if I wanted to completely guide air from the inlet I can use this highly flexible duct material and track it through the knee. There are versions of this that are made from light paper-like materials and much shorter lengths as I am not paying $100 for 25' LOL. Depending on your requirements you might be able to get something similar like plastic hosing or modifying cable ducting.
 
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Aero_Knight

Member
Just an update:
Still working on the CAD design. I learned a bit from my F-117 build which kind of went front and center for a bit. Work related projects kind of came out of nowhere so things are focused on that and life. Should be back in it soon. Got some inspiration from an amazing 70mm twin engine F-14 build that came out recently that may solve one of my short term design concerns.
 
I really like this build. Especially all the calculations. The transforming sure makes the weight and stability harder. Missing one thing in the spreadsheet though :). What's the wing area, and hence the wing loading and wing cube loading?
 

Aero_Knight

Member
I really like this build. Especially all the calculations. The transforming sure makes the weight and stability harder. Missing one thing in the spreadsheet though :). What's the wing area, and hence the wing loading and wing cube loading?
I have been kind of ignoring the wing as I will be focusing on hover testing first but I definitely will work it in eventually for forward flight in both modes. If I remember correctly the VF-1 design has wings that are slightly too small for the size of the vehicle. I may go with F-14 proportions instead of the original.
 

skymaster

Elite member
nice will follow this build. do you need more pics i would love to build one myself. i am a fan of macross
 

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