70mm EDF VersaWing

So after destroying my Viggen (always a great way to start an article!), I decided to put the 70mm Grayson hobby EDF to other use. Let's build an EDF Versawing!  I recently finished Rev 2, which includes a polaroid cube in the nose, and is now plasti-dipped flat black.  Here's a video!

I started by creating a CAD model of the VersaWing in SolidEdge off of Josh's drawings. From there I plopped in a model of the EDF, and started building ribs that would support a surface reminiscent of the X-47 or B-2:

From the beginning, I wanted to use this as an experiment with putting compound curvature into Adams foamboard. If you take both sides of paper off, it will actually take some compound curvature, but much more in one direction, as there is a bit of grain to the foam.

For the first plane, I just glued the skins onto the wings, and then faired it with tape. On Rev 2, I cut out parts of the wing skins, so the curved pieces would meet up flush with the wings.

It flies very well, and I can get about 8 minute flights by powering up to a couple hundred feet and gliding around. A bit heavy for a sailplane, but has a suprisingly good L/D, and does not want to come down. Probably my favorite plane to date, with it's ridiculously large flight envelope.

If you want to try this yourself, here is a PDF of the laser file I used for the ribs:

EDF Versawing Internal Structure

I do not have CAD files yet for the top and bottom skins, as they were built in place. Hopefully when Rev 2 is ready to retire, I will be able to make some reproducable drawings.

Enjoy!