SYNAPSE Foamboard Flying Wing by ExAir

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Rating: 4.78      36 ratings
Posted: February 2, 2013  |  5,085 views
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The Synapse is a scratchbuilt foamboard flying wing with a true, cambered airfoil and a removable fuselage pod that is great for FPV flying.  

This step-by-step video series will show you how to build the plane from start to finish.  It is made from 3 pieces of Readi-Board (aka Dollar Tree foamboard), packing tape, duct tape, hot glue, Gorilla Glue, and plastic gift cards.  The fuselage pod can be configured from a light fun flyer up to a full-feature setup with GoPro, OSD (on-screen display), autopilot, GPS, long-range receiver, and landing gear.  The pods are swappable.

The wing can be constructed so that it folds in half and the vertical stabilizers fold under.

Build time is estimated to be about 8 hours for a beginner, 6 hours if you are familiar with the Experimental Airlines building techniques.  Airframe cost is about $10.  You will need 2 x 9gram servos (metal gear recommended), one motor/ESC/ prop combination with 1200g thrust recommended (3536 1400KV 110g size with 10x5 prop works well), and receiver.

This is a very compact FPV plane that is easy to transport and fly.  The interchangeable fuselage pod and wing sections allow different missions and easy repairs.

The videos will show you all you need to know to build this plane.  Please message me with any questions.

Comments

Buzz Bomb February 2, 2013
Simply "Excellent"! Thanks for all the hard work.
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panther3001 February 2, 2013
Wow. You put TONS of work into this. I still have to watch the videos, but for beginners, and non-FPV'ers (at this point) like me, please define acronyms in the intro above the videos. OSD I know means "On Screen Display." LRS I Googled and discovered means "Long Range Surveillance," and EA Build technique???--no idea what EA is, but Im assuming its something about taping the foam first on one side, removing the paper on the other, then folding it over into an airfoil...I dunno. Thanks again for all the work though!
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panther3001 February 2, 2013
I'm sold. This is incredible. I'm going to buy more Dollar Tree foamboard and a sanding sponge today.
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the ginger flyer February 4, 2013
how long does it take to build and trying not to be rude what is the average cost.
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ExAir February 4, 2013
6-8 hours and about $120 for the whole plane using mid-grade electronics, but no FPV gear. This could vary widely, probably not less than $80.
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Hawkskyflier February 6, 2013
Great job Ed!! It's amazing how much time you put into the thought, build... and just flying... NOT to mention the video time and then taking the time to put together these awesome videos!! Great Job !!! Keep it up!. HSF. Jerry
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ABQ Bobcat February 7, 2013
Just finishing up a Synapse of my own at the moment. Had some issues with the first flight and the CG so after rebuilding the fuselage, I'll be re-maidening it soon. Great vids Ed, keep up the awesome content.
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panther3001 February 2, 2013
ok...watching videos now...EA must mean Experimental Airlines, and I'm sure I'll see what the technique entails soon. anyway, great stuff so far! 5 Stars.

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Elmardus February 9, 2013
LRS means long range system. Also reffered to as UHF. It works on 433mHz, it is a control system used for FPV, and it is capable of super long range 10km+. But they are expensive, and sometimes illegal in some countries. If you want to start with FPV, make sure you read a lot on the internet. It is not easy, and not plug an play, but it very rewarding! :-D
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Elmardus February 9, 2013
Awesome plane Ed!!! Is it possible to build the wing from depron? Or do I need to use foamboard. Depron would be nicer for me because I already have a lot of that...
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NorseHammer February 11, 2013
Your planes work, your video explains why, a great combination.
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uniondelta March 26, 2013
Hi Sr! Congratulations, nice work. Do you have the plans available?
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alelyon1983@live.it April 6, 2013
hello where can I find the plans of the synapse version with the wheels?
thanks
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ivorn May 13, 2013
Hey, great plane, but know one seems to know where you can download the plans from. Is there a link. Does anyone know?

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