Bloody Wonder With Modifications

Hi guys & gals,

First I would like to thank the guys at Flite Test for making it easier for people to get started in the hobby.  I did RC in the past but have been away from it for about 15 years.  I was all nitro back then.  When I decided to get back into it I wanted to go electric.  When I started looking around I ran across Flite Test on Youtube and got the impression right away that this would make for an easy transition.

I talked with the science teacher at the local high school about adding an RC module to his classes.  He is very interested if we can afford it.  We are a financially distressed school district but between using my old radio gear and the resources available at Flite Test I think we can manage it.  I am also the Maintenance Director there.  I think the kids would really benefit from a fun yet demanding project like this.

Now for the Bloody Wonder modifications...

BLOODY WONDER MODIFICATIONS:

I watched several of the FT build videos and printed several sets of plans.  I decided to build the Bloody wonder first.  I started by building one per the plans.  I noticed that it had some features that were done differently in other models.  I decided to build another one with some modifications.

First i decided that the wings could easily be extended to 30" and use the full width of the Dollar Tree foam board. I also decided to move the Ailerons to the top surface like they were on most other FT models.  I added 3/8" to the top trailing edge since there was a 1/4" gap there on my first build.

Next I decided to make the fuselage extension more stream lined.  I extended it to 1/4" from the elevator gap and tapered it down to 3/16 at the back.

Then I added a canopy inspired by the F117 Stealth Fighter.  It is made with three simple pieces of foam board with back cuts.  

Finally I decided to add contoured sides to the fuselage with curved cowl extensions to soften the appearance.  The doubled bottom edges and cowel should help to protect the power pod on hard landings as well.

I am waiting for the last of the radio gear to arrive to complete the electronics installation.

I am planning to use two aileron servos so I can do flaperons..  

The results are in the photos below:

RAPTOR MODIFICATIONS:

I also did some modifications to the F 22 Raptor from the FT site.  I added removable bottom fuselage panels to cover the gear. The gear will attach to the wing and the covers are attached with velcro.

GIFT CARDS CONTROL HORNS:

I have submitted a separate article under "Tips' on how to make control horns from gift cards. The picture pretty much tells the story.  Color is magic marker.

Update: 

The modified Bloody Wonder is ready to fly.  32" F 22 in the background...

Servo connections using gift card control horns:

RAPTOR MODDIFICATIONS:

I also did some modifications to the F 22 Raptor from the RCGroups site.  I added removable bottom fuselage panels to cover the gear. The gear will attach to the wing and the covers are attached with velcro.

Update:

This is a 32" F 22 made from RC Groups plans but I made the wing in two layers with a 2 layered spar.  Notice in the second photo the scraps used to set the curve of the wing.  I made a 50% cut close to the spar front and back and used a rounded pen cover tip to depress the joint.  I then used hot glue and scraps of foam board under the edges to preform the two wing halves before joining them.  Top and bottom are the same.  It is really strong but a little heavier.

The fuselage is 3 layers.  Rudders and elevators are single layer. Airframe weight is 408 grams (14 oz).  Gear should be under 300 grams.  Flying weight should be about 700 grams (25 oz).  Wing area is about 3 SF without control surfaces.  Wing loading will be pretty light at 235 grams (8.25 oz) per SF. I will probably add lower body panels to conceal gear on this one too.

I plan to iron the leading edges and will probably add functional ailerons and possibly rudders.

I may build a coutoured fuselage / cockpit using curved panels by removing paper from one side.

I reduced the prop slot for a 10" propeller.

GIFT CARDS CONTROL HORNS:

I have submitted a separate article under "Tips' on how to make control horns from gift cards. The picture pretty much tells the story.  Color is magic marker.

CURVED FOAM PANELS:

I am also submitting an article on making curved panels out of foam board:

To make these I removed the paper from the back side and then scored the back side generously with my finger nail. It helps to have a tubular object to form around.  For the lower one I used a large magic marker.