Big Bertha Project

by MESA RC | April 11, 2013 | (18) Posted in Projects

To the FliteTest Community:

Seventh graders Ty and Henry present their latest creation called the “Big Bertha”. The aircraft is over 5’ long and has a 40” wingspan.  The plane is created to house a Bombay door to test and learn about the planes’ lift capabilities.  The main wing of the aircraft can be removed for replacement and different main wing design purposes.  The end goal is to be able to drop water balloons or candy on the students during our annual school play day!  In this video, the boys are ready to test out the planes’ Center of Gravity and to see how the plane does in its first glide tests.

For more information on the MESA rcFoam Fighters Program, please visit us at www.mesarcfoamfighters.com

Jake Marshall

MESArcFF Director

 

MESArcFF Productions:

Camera 1: Harrison

Creators: Ty and Henry

Editing: Zac and Joey

Director: Marshall

 

Presenting the Big Bertha

 

Ty talks about the plans for the bomb-bay hatch

 

Marshall attempts to get a true CG test throw

 

The greatest catch in MESArcFF History, Ty lays out for his own creation, that is dedication!

 

Marking the estimated CG placement

COMMENTS

gmyers2112 on April 11, 2013
some of that "tail heavy effect" will be washed out when you have thrust coming from above the wing and pushing the nose down.
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AlexPewPew on April 12, 2013
Cool project, keep it up
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thejosh108 on April 12, 2013
This is cool, waiting to see this one take to the sky! you may want some longer wings for cargo carrying.
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windfou on April 15, 2013
I think 40" is to small you should try 50" or 55"
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windfou on April 15, 2013
i mean for create more lift for the wing
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socommk23 on April 16, 2013
hey guys great project you have there.
few quick tips (hope im not teaching you to suck eggs.)

CoG is way too far back!!!!! start around 1/4 to 1/3 from the leading edge of the wing.

make the CoG as close to the centre of the bomb bay area as possible. this will maintain flyability when loaded and unloaded.

setting the CoG before the motor and prop and battery ect has been installed is a little premature. get these fitted to attain the correct CoG before moving on.

for the weight of a water balloon, the power system will need to produce enormous thrust with what are very short wings. the shorter the wings, the faster it will need to fly. a larger wingspan will produce better lift at lower speeds. (fast jets have stubby wings. heavey lift planes like airliners have long wings).

good luck guys.

keep us informed as to how it goes.
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Big Bertha Project