The Challenge: A Travel /Packable RC ‘park flyer’ combo

[ayrwing]

Hello all,

I have enjoyed you guys pretty much since you started. Thanks for all of the great ideas, fun and ‘how to’ you provide for us.

I have a challenge for you, if you want to take it on.

I do a lot of motorcycle trips (street and dual sport/adventure) with camping and some backpacking. I continually find wonderful flying spots on my journeys and always wish I had something to fly. There is not much room on a bike or in a pack to take along an RC plane, a big transmitter and everything else that is required to fly (weight is also an issue). I have been searching for a lightweight, fold-up, packable/traveling RC park flyer type plane that can fit in a protective case or box that I can strap to the motorcycle or put in a backpack.

This link has an interesting construction style and got me thinking that a travel plane could be possible and this construction technique could be applied to a Flite Test type of foam board (or even coroplast) airplane design. A swappable/removable pod could work or even a fuselage with all the equipment attached. I think this is his concept model for a larger scale airplane as he mentions a 38” span. The size of the model in the video is perfect for what I need.
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kBghEPuQrA

I thought a scaled down Bloody Baron or Sweet Stick styled airplane could work with a 19-20 inch wingspan (maybe with some of the new thinner foam?). Also, to save space, the transmitter should be an E-Flite or Parkzone MLP4DSM with the Flite Test DIY Pocket Transmitter set up. It all needs to break down and fit in the box with charger, batteries, a few tools and transmitter.

The Challenge: A Travel /Packable RC ‘park flyer’ combo
• Airplane: 19-20” wing span (Scaled down Bloody Baron or Sweet Stick style)
• No V-tail, flying wings or elevator/aileron mixing for simplicity
• Motor, propeller and battery recommendation
• Recommended servos, ESC and receiver for E-flite / Parkzone MLP4DSM style transmitter (Hobby King Orange?)
• AC/DC charging capable (to charge in hotel or with motorcycle)
• Quick and easy assembly and breakdown.
• How to build, install and set up, etc.

So, that’s it. I am sure there are plenty of riders, hikers, campers and other travelers who would enjoy a convenient way to take their hobby with them.

Thanks for any consideration,

Dave

 

[Hai-Lee]

It is not an impossible task and whilst I would normally jump to the challenge currently my list of projects has blown out considerably so all I could offer is a development idea for the requirement.

It sounds like a CF Stick fuselage with a detachable tail and a 2 piece wing with wing joint.

3 Channel, (Yank and Bank) Vertical stab slotted into tail, Elevator servo, 3.7 gram, mounted in the horizontal Stab.

Built up wing, (not a single unfolded sheet) with provision for a CF or similar common spar, Integral servo, (3.7gram) Wings held together with rubber or tape when fitted to stick fuselage wing carrier.

Motor and battery subject to build weight. ESC and Prop to suit motor selection.

3D printing would be invaluable for use in making the tail carrier and the wing carrier.

Just a few preliminary design thoughts!

 

[ayrwing]

Hai-Lee, thanks for your response. I had originally intended this challenge for the Flite Test Crew, but I would be happy if anyone wanted to try.

I see a lot of people have read this post and the lack of response seems to indicate an issue with the challenge. I am wondering if I am asking too much from this project or if it is somehow unrealistic, or if this is not the type of thing Flite Test or any readers are interested in.

Any comments or thoughts on this would be greatly appreciated

Thanks, Dave

 

[SheppO]

Started this a while back...

http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?27059-Pack-a-pusher