Trainer - F.PV & Night Flight (with Video)

by Arno1978 | June 13, 2012 | (8) Posted in Just Fun

About a month ago I decided to build a trainer, but a bigger then usual trainer, well for myself that is.

I started of with my desired dimensions

I wanted at least a 40 inch wingspan, and I wanted it to be able to carry a bit of a load. Another requirement was a low amp power system that would ensure a longer than usual flight time.

I then started to order the parts from HobbyKing

Motor
hexTronik DT750 Brushless Outrunner 750kv

ESC
TURNIGY Plush 30amp Speed Controller

Prop
10 x 4.7 SF Prop

Servos
HobbyKing 929MG Metal Gear Servo 2.2kg/ 12.5g/ 0.10sec
&
HXT900 9g / 1.6kg / .12sec Micro Servo

The rest of the parts I had as spares lying around doing nothing.

I then gathered all the foam I would use and I started building.

After about 18 hours she was finished and I ended up with my new big trainer with a 47 inch wingspan.


I placed a 450 size heli canopy to give you an idea of the size.

I then decided to add some LED lights for some night flight fun



I took it out the next day for the maiden, and was very happy to see it fly the first time without any major problems.

i did a test to time the flight time on a 2200mah Lipo, and the battery lasted long past 20 minutes.

As a whole I am very happy with this build, and I will post some nigtht flight videos soon.

Happy Flying :)

COMMENTS

House Of Noob on June 13, 2012
20 minutes! Nice work.
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jelofson on June 13, 2012
Looks nice! Looking forward to the videos. I would like to build something very similar in size.

Is it primarily foam board?

Do you use a separate battery for the lights?
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Arno1978 on June 13, 2012
The whole plane is foam, EPX foam to be exact, it's the only stuff in South Africa that's cheap and strong enough.

I use the same battery I fly with to power the LEDs, it's connected to the AUX channel on my RX so I can remotely switch it on when it gets dark during flight.
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jelofson on June 13, 2012
Very cool. Thanks.
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Arno1978 on June 15, 2012
Hi Guys, I made a short video of flying at dawn, hope you enjoy it.
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jelofson on June 15, 2012
Nice! Looks great with the leds.
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TommyG on June 21, 2012
Nice video Arno,
That plane looks similar to an Avispad. Is that what you based it on?

I'm currently building an Avispad out of coro for my first plane. Should hopefully be able to get it into the air next week.
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Arno1978 on June 22, 2012
Hi TommyG,

No not really, I just started building without an actual plan in mind, I have built so many foamies in my life I took some of the designs I did and combined them. I just had a look at the Avispad and I am amazed about the looks as it looks allot like my build. Thanks for the info.
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TommyG on June 22, 2012
Its truly a remarkable resemblance. I believe the creator of the Avispad (Bex) is from South Africa too, maybe there are lots of planes that look like that there?

If anyone is looking for plans of the Avispad (not the trainer featured here) visit http://spadworld.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15648&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0
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Arno1978 on June 22, 2012
Thanks for the link to the plans, I think I will make it my next project :)
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colorex on June 13, 2012
Nice! Did you get any photos of the build itself?
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Arno1978 on June 13, 2012
No, sorry I only realized after the build that I didn't take any pictures.

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colorex on June 13, 2012
Don't worry, you're not the first one. I do that too.
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marci on September 20, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0R5cxt4vCA&feature=plcp
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thercmaster on July 3, 2012
great video you should put lights on the wingtips
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Trainer - F.PV & Night Flight (with Video)