Mini Versa Wing

[dunderchief]

I had the idea to put this together about a week ago. I wanted something I could throw in my car without having to fold down the back seats. I like the looks of the TBS Caipirinha and the Ritewing Mini Z so I thought I'd try my hand at making a similar sized wing from the spare parts bin. (Looks like the Caipi and Mini Z are 34" and 30" so this is a bit smaller.)

PARTS:

Motor: RCX 1804 2400kv - This one has been through a bad crash on a mini-quad and I had to glue a magnet back on.
Prop: 5x4.5 - Cheapo from MyRCMart
ESC: Hobby King 30A - Overkill but it's what I had on hand.
Battery: Zippy Compact 3s 850mAh + 1xAA for nose weight.
Servos: Turnigy 9g - Probably too big/heavy but I've had some bad luck with smaller servos used on the Mighty Minis.

The build is just like the Versa Wing Pusher conversion. The only thing I did different is cut a notch ~1.5 - 2 inches in the back so I could move the motor mount forward. My scratch builds are always tail heavy, probably too much hot glue.

The plans are scaled down 62% from the original Versa Wing. I wanted it to come in at a 24 inch wing span. With the "Bunny Ear" winglets the total wingspan is 23.75 inches. Pretty close!

The motor mount is basically a Might Mini power pod glued on backwards.

It balances at the CG marks for the original Versa. We'll see if that works for the maiden which will hopefully be tonight.

 

[dunderchief]

The Maiden

Weather Conditions: Sunny, Mid 70s, Wind 10-15 mph
Dual Rates: 50%
Expo: 30%

I would consider the maiden to be a success. On the initial launch the plane went straight into the dirt. I dusted it off checked my C.R.A.P. and launched again. This time the little dude took right to the air. I did two quick patterns, a loop and brought it in for a landing.

On the second flight my son wanted to take the controls. As he was about to slip in and run the throttle I was preoccupied with what he was doing and the thing right into the ground with a hearty smack. On inspection we had a broken prop a couple creases on the foam around the nose and the top seam where the wings join came apart (this was my fault, I forgot to tape it). Repairs were quick and easy: hot glue and tape.

Things to change for next time:

1. Move CG Forward. Not sure if it was the wind but it seemed a little squirrely.
2. Dial down rates even more. Possible squirrely-ness
3. Switch to 5x3 prop. This thing moves with the 5x4.5.
4. Not fly facing West in the late afternoon/evening. Blinded by the light.

 

[RC-Flyer63]

I have built one at about 65% and also made it into a blunt nose version. It flys great but is a bit underpowered, should have used a bigger motor. I have a full sized blunt noe and they fly just alike.

 

[nevenelestate]

I have built one at about 65% and also made it into a blunt nose version. It flys great but is a bit underpowered, should have used a bigger motor. I have a full sized blunt noe and they fly just alike.

What motor did you use? I am planning to build a 70% with the EMAX 1806 and running 3s(if I can fit the battery). I tried a 50% using a Eflite SBach motor, that didn't go well.

 

[nevenelestate]

I built a 70% blunt nose, maidened it today and I agree, flies just as great as the full size!

I used a Emax 1806 CCW motor, 12A ESC and ran 6x4.5 prop and 1300mAh 3s battery. The battery is a snug fit with the foam peeled off the door for it.

Video from the first flights, from 808 #16, a little out of focus

 

[ExperimentalRC]

How does it handle flying slow? I have no idea how to scale plans, and I don't really feel like learning how, so could someone please post some scaled plans, or just give me some dimensions so I can build my own. Nice job with those builds.

 

[nevenelestate]

How does it handle flying slow? I have no idea how to scale plans, and I don't really feel like learning how, so could someone please post some scaled plans, or just give me some dimensions so I can build my own. Nice job with those builds.

All I did was take the full plans and print in adobe reader, choosing 70% scale. Adobe did all the work

It flies great slow and fast.