FT SE5 Biplane Build

FTScratchBuild

Introducing the FT SE5 Biplane, an easy to build and easy to fly WWI style biplane!

Start by building the power pod. Don’t forget to make sure the screws are not close to the motor windings, otherwise you could damage your motor. 

Connect your ESC and make sure your motor is spinning counter clockwise.

Remove the fuselage pieces and cavities in the foam. Remove the paper from one side of the cheek piece and the doublers.

Fold along the crease lines. Perform an A fold on the center support piece. Fold the sides of the fuselage up and glue them down. After it dries, glue down the bottom plate.

Add the notch piece and glue it down to the back of the fuselage. Reinforce the fuselage with the side cheek doublers.

When the doublers are dry, install the bottom wing saddle piece to finish off the fuselage.

Before you tackle the tail assembly, make sure your servos are centered.

Remove the rudder and elevator tail pieces. Cut a single sided bevel on the stabilizer side of the elevator.

Repeat the same process on the rudder. Attach the rudder to the elevator. After the elevator is dry, attach the tail assembly to the fuselage.

Install your control horns and push rods. Then install your servos.

Remove the two wing pieces. Score along the main seam of the bottom wing. Install the under camber gauges and hold the back portion down. When you’re happy with the fit, put glue into the seam.

Remove the gauges, and pop out the small cutouts on each side. Install the dihedral gauges. Make sure the arrows on the dihedral gauges are pointing forward.

Flip the wing over, and hold down the center section. Place glue in the seams of the center section and remove the excess.

Repeat the same process on the top wing.

Install the formers on the fuselage, then install the poster board on the back and front of the fuselage.

Attach the bottom wing to the bottom of the fuselage. After it dries, install the large wing struts on both sides of the wing. 

Test fit the top wing on top of the struts. Make sure the leading edges of both wings are parallel to each other. When you’re satisfied with the fit, glue it down.

Install the cobains on the wings. Use the brace to make sure the wings and struts all stay together while the cobains dry.

Flip the plane over and install the landing gear, wheels and tail skid.

Install and connect your electronics. Test your electronics, and you’re ready to maiden!

FT MINI SE5 SPECS

WEIGHT WITHOUT BATTERY: 8.8 oz (250 g)

CENTER OF GRAVITY: Directly on the fold of the top wing

CONTROL SURFACE THROWS: 12 ̊ deflection (elevons) – Expo 30%

WINGSPAN: 24 inches (609 mm)

RECOMMENDED MOTORS: 2204 sized 2300 kv minimum

RECOMMENDED PROP: 6 x 4.5 prop CCW

RECOMMENDED ESC: 12 amp minimum

RECOMMENDED BATTERY: 800 mAH 3s minimum

RECOMMENDED SERVOS: (2) 5 gram servos 

PICK UP A SPEED BUILD KIT HERE!

FT MINI SE5 PLANS

FT MINI SE5 (FULL SIZE)

FT MINI SE5 (TILED)

FT MINI SE5 (ALL IN ONE)

STORE LINKS

https://store.flitetest.com/ft-mighty-mini-se5-biplane/

https://store.flitetest.com/power-pack-f/

New to the R/C hobby?

Here are some resources to help get you up to speed!

Beginner Series: WATCH HERE!

Electronics Setup: WATCH HERE!

First Flight Quick Tips: WATCH HERE!

Scratch Building without Knives: WATCH HERE!

Got glue?? Get Some Here!