DIY Javelin Guided Missile Part 1/3

by FliteTest | October 3, 2016 | (11) Posted in Projects

Many of you may already know that our "resident scientist" Peter Sripol left Flite Test a couple months ago to help out his family’s Thai restaurant in Dayton, Ohio. It must have not been an easy decision to make, but if you know anything about Peter, it’s that he loves anything RC. During his time at Flite Test, Peter was drawn to projects that were wacky, crazy and fun: the Avengers Heli Carrier, the Star Destroyer, and countless others. Recently Peter decided to start up his own YouTube channel based around DIY projects in his down time while he’s not at work. So far he has released 14 videos and has totaled around 52,000 views.  

One of our favorite projects has to be the Javelin Guided Missile project. The goal was to create a Javelin Guided Missile that could launch a projectile that could be then flown RC when deployed.  The project has been released as three different videos with Peter going through what many would call the "scientific method." It is a great behind the scenes look at an engineer’s design method.

 I am always reminded of the statement, especially in science, "that failure is always an option."

The mission of the first prototype of the Javelin Guided Missile was to get the device into a bare bones form to see what the flight characteristics would be or if it was even flyable. This began with Peter designing the prototype in AutoCAD and transferring the files into a laser cut program to be cut. The prototype was made primarily from foam board pieces and is a pusher style aircraft. In the simplest terms, the aircraft is a 3 channel RC airplane. 

The maiden flight turned out to be a failure. It was very hard to control when turning in different directions, and it flew really heavy. Peter's solution to this issue was to increase the elevon throw, add balsa wood to the overall aircraft and make the wings longer. He also changed the mechanism of the wing to a two-piece wing that swivels outwards and folds out 90 degrees to the fuselage. The mechanism that was used to have the wing expand outwards is made from a balsa wood design cut from the laser cutter. 

The next step is to fold the plane into a 5” PVC pipe to be launched from a DIY style rocket launcher. Please stay tuned for Part 2.  You can subscribe to Peter's Youtube channel here 

___________________

Mitchell Gray - FliteTest

COMMENTS

Air-headed Aviator on October 6, 2016
Yeah! Peter! I've already seen both of his videos on his channel, and subscribed! Its great to see the mad scientists still putting out projects and having fun doing it!
Log In to reply
fryanryan9 on October 9, 2016
You guys should have peter come and hang out with you guys for a week and do some crazy stuff with him!
Log In to reply
DarkFire on October 10, 2016
How did peter get that nice airfoil with the balsa wings? Just time, patience, and a good eye?
I would love to sand an airfoil out of balsa, but mine always come out warped or uneven.
Log In to reply
Air-headed Aviator on October 6, 2016
Also y'all should put a link to his channel in the article. PeterSripol is the name.
Log In to reply
amcknight31 on October 7, 2016
Yeah. Pretty cool channel. I'm subbed.
Log In to reply
FliteTest on October 10, 2016
Thank you for the suggestion! I completely forgot about that.
Log In to reply
FoamTest on October 7, 2016
You are doing a great job Peter! I'm also just starting a YouTube channel and I know how hard it is to get subs. Good luck!
Log In to reply
amcknight31 on October 7, 2016
Cool. Peter should come back.
Log In to reply
Rezolution on October 9, 2016
Given that drone legislation is still very much in its infancy, and public opinion has been somewhat reticent with accepting "normal," hobby store drones, I would be very careful with calling this a "guided missile." Let's not make people more nervous than they already are.

Besides, you aren't intending to use this as a guided or ballistic weapon. Maybe don't give it a name that would indicate as such.
Log In to reply
kwak on October 9, 2016
Interesting concept. I'm looking forward to seeing your fully developed idea. But be careful of the unknowing passerby. In this day and age they might call the police about "suspicious activity".
Log In to reply

You need to log-in to comment on articles.


DIY Javelin Guided Missile Part 1/3