Help! Help with design

[PlenGuy]

Me and my college robotics group need assistance getting started for a first plane design. We have a 200 NZD budget and would like a 1.5m wingspan. We presume the easiest way to do it would be using foam board. We would preferably like to model it after a Twin Otter, or practically any real airplane, I have trained at my local aeromoddlers club, but am still a beginner. We want advice about literally everything from modelling to electronics.

 

[RickHunter]

There are a few free dual motor FT plans they have shared that are around that size, but are not actually real planes. The Guinea Pig, FT Legacy (single or dual motor), and Sea Duck (one of my personal favorites) are a few. Here is a link to the FT ones: https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?search/1426887/&q=Twin+otter&t=resource&o=relevance.
Also you can check in the Resources. Many people have shared there designs as well.
Depending on price and availability in NZ, the FT Legacy might be a good single engine pick to save some money with electronics. I have one in my hanger and it is a good flyer. Post in thread 'FTFC’26 Build-Ruary Contest RickHunter' https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/ftfc’26-build-ruary-contest-rickhunter.79956/post-804671

 

[Merv]

I recommend you start with a known design for you first few builds.
After you master the basics you can begin to designing your own.

If you want something simple, take a look at the Noob Tube. Just scale it up it your desired size.

 

[Bearcat]

I believe FT has a twin otter design as well I think its somewhere around 1.5 meter. Not sure about availability but they might have plans for sale.

 

[PlenGuy]

I believe FT has a twin otter design as well I think its somewhere around 1.5 meter. Not sure about availability but they might have plans for sale.

One of the requirements for my robotics team is we have to design/model it ourselves unfortunately, thanks for the help though.

 

[Bearcat]

Ok, I guess that makes sense, if you want to design it you could definitely learn a lot from how flite test does things, they have many cool techniques to model with foamboard so even watching some of their build videos could be really useful. Just an Idea tho

 

[Merv]

One of the requirements for my robotics team is we have to design/model it ourselves...

Im not sure if this is helpful but here are some of design basics.
The more information you give us, the more we can help. Are you lifting a load, going for speed, going for flight time?

Airfield Models - Designing Radio Control Model Aircraft

Basic information for Trainer design

When thinking about designing a good trainer model, There a few things that you should take into consideration....

www.flitetest.com

Easy Aircraft Design

Quick open ended step-by-step instructions on how to design a basic airplane with a large degree of artistic freedom

www.flitetest.com

Airfoils and Aerodynamics - A Basic Overview

Hi, I’m Tyler, from Perth, Australia. We recently learnt about aerodynamics and airfoils in school,...

www.flitetest.com

 

[PlenGuy]

Im not sure if this is helpful but here are some of design basics.
The more information you give us, the more we can help. Are you lifting a load, going for speed, going for flight time?

Airfield Models - Designing Radio Control Model Aircraft

Basic information for Trainer design

When thinking about designing a good trainer model, There a few things that you should take into consideration....

www.flitetest.com

Easy Aircraft Design

Quick open ended step-by-step instructions on how to design a basic airplane with a large degree of artistic freedom

www.flitetest.com

Airfoils and Aerodynamics - A Basic Overview

Hi, I’m Tyler, from Perth, Australia. We recently learnt about aerodynamics and airfoils in school,...

www.flitetest.com

Thanks a lot!

 

[PlenGuy]

Im not sure if this is helpful but here are some of design basics.
The more information you give us, the more we can help. Are you lifting a load, going for speed, going for flight time?

Airfield Models - Designing Radio Control Model Aircraft

Basic information for Trainer design

When thinking about designing a good trainer model, There a few things that you should take into consideration....

www.flitetest.com

Easy Aircraft Design

Quick open ended step-by-step instructions on how to design a basic airplane with a large degree of artistic freedom

www.flitetest.com

Airfoils and Aerodynamics - A Basic Overview

Hi, I’m Tyler, from Perth, Australia. We recently learnt about aerodynamics and airfoils in school,...

www.flitetest.com

I am hoping to have a longish flight time and the purpose is to (In theory) deliver supplies to places where rescuers can't reach (like a box of matches, some food etc)

 

[Merv]

I am hoping to have a longish flight time...

To start your search for endurance flight, look at lower KV motors with a larger diameter prop (maybe around 1000Kv & a 10 inch prop). This will increase the efficiency of the plane, more distance per watt of battery. Also look at a high aspect ratio wing with a flat bottom wing shape, they have a better lift to drag ratio. For a 60 inch wing something 5-7 inches wide.

 

[PlenGuy]

To start your search for endurance flight, look at lower KV motors with a larger diameter prop (maybe around 1000Kv & a 10 inch prop). This will increase the efficiency of the plane, more distance per watt of battery. Also look at a high aspect ratio wing with a flat bottom wing shape, they have a better lift to drag ratio. For a 60 inch wing something 5-7 inches wide.

Would that be one 1000kv motor or two motors?

 

[Merv]

Consider buying a lower kv motor, they are more efficient. High kv motors will go faster but will not travel as far on a given battery.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Are you guys maybe thinking of something like this?

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Don't pay attention to the lack firewall's ect I'm in the process of designing a VTOL system for it (Vertical takeoff and landing)

 

[PlenGuy]

That's pretty cool, I fear it might be slightly difficult tho

 

[Houndpup Rc]

That's pretty cool, I fear it might be slightly difficult tho

Yup! Do you mean difficult to fly or design?

 

[PlenGuy]

Yup! Do you mean difficult to fly or design?

Both 😂