AileronRC Trainer Plane - Scratch Build

INTRO:

The AileronRC Trainer is finally here! Months of hard work have gone into this plane, and finally, a result! Hey guys, I'm Croom from AileronRC, and I love to fly and scratch build. Yes, this version of the plane looks crappy and beat up, but I will explain. I started out with the basic design, using foamboard with paper on the body, and foamboard without paper for the wings (airfoil). Since the build, I have put it through some pretty sketchy flights and numerous design changes. The reason why the foamboard is ripped around the center is because I was out of velcro and used tape instead. Plus, using black foamboard didn't help (dollar tree didn't have white). I also had to change the motor mount numerous times, which is why the front is pretty much made up of hot glue in the pictures and video. Dents and rips aside, the flight charictaristics are very good for beginners, and I would recomend this as a first or second plane. If you would like to build one, and need help building it, please post a comment below or on my youtube channel, and I will gladly make a build-along video. Thanks, and have fun!

OVERVIEW:

Specs:

-Wingspan: 30 in

-Wing length: 5.5 in

-CG: 2 in from leading edge

-Length: 19 in (not including rudder)

-Body Height at peak: 5 in

-Rudder height: 5 in

-Rudder length: 4 in

-Elevator span: 9.5 in

-Elevator Length: 3.5 in

Electronics/ hardware:

-Powerup 250 slofly motor

-HURC 10 amp ESC

-2 5g micro servos

-300-700 mah 2-3 cell battery

-Receiver and Transmitter

-7x3.5 prop

-2 sheets of Dollar Tree Foamboard

You can get all electronics and propellor (excluding transmitter, battery and receiver) in one nifty package (Minibipe power pack) from HeadsUpHobby.com.

COST: around $80 if you include a $30 Spektrum receiver.

LINK: http://www.headsuphobby.com/MiniBipe-Power-Package-D-504.htm

Other supplies:

-Hot glue gun

-Skewers

-wheels and .047 pushrod for landing gear (Optional)

-Razor

-Packing Tape

-Firewall/Plywood (motor mount)

-1/4 oz sticky weight (put on nose to balance CG)

 VIDEOS:

Flight:

Dimensions/Specs:

 Build Along:

The Build:

NOTE: If you want a more visual version of this, watch the "Dimensions and Specs" Video above.

 1. Cut out fuselage pieces. You may use the dimensions above as a reference, along with this picture. You will need to cut out 2 identical pieces. Directly after the wing, cut a straight line down the length of both pieces of the fuselage, then tape the cut pieces back into place. When you glue the rudder on, hot glue the cut ends directly to both sides of the rudder. This will create a curve in the fuselage.

2. For the wings, you will need to cut out a 30x5.5 inch piece of foamboard and peel the paper off. Once the paper is off, measure 2 inches from one edge and mark both tips of the wing with pencil. Draw a line across the wing, connecting the two points. This will be the CG marker and airfoil curve. For the airfoil curve, place a piece of packing tape across the entire line, then, with the packing tape facing up, gently press the wing along the drawn line against the edge of a table. This will create the airfoil without ripping the foamboard.

3. For the rudder (vertical stabilizer), cut out any shape you want, as long as it is about 5 in tall and 4 in long. Also create a crevice around 1-2 in from the bottom so you can slide in the horizontal stabilizer. For the elevator (horizontal stabilizer), cut out a 9.5x3.5 inch piece of foamboard and make a crevice in the middle so it can slide into the rudder. On the rudder, cut out a square piece at the elevator measurement and place a skewer in the middle. Without the skewer (or you can use a popsicle stick), the elevator will only work on one side.

Servo and Control horn placement

4. Cut out a square hole the size of your battery into the side of the fuselage, under the wing. This is where you will glue or tape the ESC, and put your battery into place. (battery placement is all the way forward in the fuselage)

5. Cut out appropriately sized 1 inch width pieces of foam to cover the open spots in the airplane. I covered the cockpit, front, and under the airplane until the curve in the fuselage.

Optional landing gear

6. Glue appropriately lengthed skewers (on both sides of the plane) to the bottom of the fuselage and wing. This will create support and curvature for the wing.

Detailed shot of rudder/elevator

End! If you enjoyed this article, please leave a comment below. I am always striving to get better and appreciate the feedback. Also, as I said earlier, let me know of you would like to build one! Happy Flying!

Website: http://AileronRC.wordpress.com

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/croom248