FT - Slinger

by FliteTest | August 19, 2013 | (57) Posted in Reviews

The FT Slinger is a scratch build foam board airplane setup with a swappable power pod. The FT Slinger design was inspired by The Ripslinger from Disney's movie Planes.

David didn't add landing gear since we rarely fly in areas where it can be used.

The FT Slinger has a modified airframe designed off of the FT Spitfire and features the swappable power pod fuselage.

Under-cambered wing tips have been carried over from previous foam board scratch build designs.

The FT Slinger design can be modified to be a racer airplane as well.

This Ripslinger inspired scratch build tracks like an arrow and has great stall characteristics.

The character plane and the racer design of the FT Slinger are both really fun to fly.  

It's not going to do 3D, but it'll still do some fun aerial maneuvers.

Another happy accident, this scratch built airplane is simply fun to fly!

The free plans and build tutorial are available HERE!

More photos in the FORUM POST HERE!

- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

Related Articles

FT Duster - BUILD

by FliteTest

FT Duster

by FliteTest

UMX Micro Ripslinger

by MIDNCOCO

COMMENTS

jor on August 19, 2013
Awesome looking planes! Keep up the good work, can you tell me the name of the music that begins at 11:00 minutes?
Log In to reply
tramsgar on August 19, 2013
Good work, like the way those planes handled (of course you being great pilots didn't hurt either).
Log In to reply
drogers27 on August 20, 2013
Great plane and great video. Now do one of "Skipper"!!!
Log In to reply
No love on August 25, 2013
great work Guys ! Please upload the build video, my kids are waiting for it :)
Log In to reply
JonPaso on August 26, 2013
That is super. make a kit and I will order it.
Log In to reply
khattak on August 19, 2013
Is the build video going to show how to paint the plane to.
Log In to reply
alecjohnson723@yahoo.com on August 19, 2013
where is Josh Scott?!?!?!?!?!?!
Log In to reply
Gopherdave on August 19, 2013
You guys are incredible! Watch a cool movie and 2 weeks later your flying replica airplanes from it. I liked the video so much I have to make one when the plans come out, too cool! I love the air to air footage and formation flying, awesome video!

THANK-YOU
Log In to reply
CJGFX on August 19, 2013
Another amazing little plane guys. We're awaiting the DVD to come out and then we can see the film.
I would also like to say that that was some of the best flying you've done, almost synchronized. Both planes look great, I'll have to get my flying skills up to keep up with the speeds those planes do...
Log In to reply
bgreet on August 19, 2013
Great build guys. I just started a FT Cruiser build with intent to paint as "Bulldog". I cant wait or the build video and plans. If not a Speed Build kit, then how about templates to mod a Speed Build Spitfire.
Log In to reply
jay198 on August 25, 2013
Hi Josh, David and everybody at FliteTest. I can't believe out of all of the comments thus far that nobody has mentioned and gave a shout out to Virginia Hicks and her beautiful farm. Josh, please pass this along to her. I'm extremely new to the world of RC. Once the plans are available, I will be building the FT-Slinger. This will either be my first or second RC model. I haven't decieded whether I'll be building a quadcopter before or after. All of you at FliteTest are the number one reason I have started this awesome hobby.
Log In to reply
Big un on August 31, 2013
Can't wait love to do the slinger and the duster...this is just Fun... and that's what we need... plans and kits.
Log In to reply
gouldie86 on September 12, 2013
iv uploaded some pictures of my almost finished 50% scale ripslinger to the forum (ft slinger). this plane looks great. it should be put on a shelf and admired. maiden coming some. cheers flite test
Log In to reply
Prego on September 15, 2013
Hey guys!
Please, help us providing information about the motor and prop that you used in those planes!!!
I saw in the red/yellow one that it is a Turnigy NTM 35-XX something, is that possible you send us this information?! It is 1000kv or 1100kv? or even 900kv?
Thank you guys!
H
Log In to reply
Prego on September 17, 2013
Also... What is the size of the spinner!? 60mm?
Log In to reply
Pedro Lisbon on September 18, 2013
I think it is the 57 mm. I know that the spitfire they have with the camouflage paint has the 63 mm. I have the 63 and this one look like a 57 to me by the way it covers the front of the plane, this one almost cover all the front of the plane and the 63 mm covers the hall front totally.
Log In to reply
Prego on September 18, 2013
Thanks by the information Pedro. Now just waiting for the motor size.
Log In to reply
AceDoorman on September 3, 2013
Hi Guys,
I belong to our local flying club and would like to start a club build of the FT Slinger.
Hope plans are available soon. I would like to see 10 slingers flying in formation .
If it happens I will post a video.
Thanks guys
Log In to reply
Latubi on August 25, 2013
This will replace my busted spitfire for sure!
Log In to reply
amtpdb1 on August 19, 2013
What motors were you running in each?
Log In to reply
Drezed on September 1, 2013
Looks like the "Slinger" model is using this motor http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/Omega-72g-Brushless-Outrunner_p_15518.html . A bit pricey for a foamy, but if you go "swappable" you could use it for many models.
Log In to reply
amtpdb1 on September 12, 2013
Thanks for the reply. That does seem pricey considering the cost of some of the other options!
Thanks again.
Don
Log In to reply
PeterGregory on May 6, 2014
I researched an approximate equivalent and ordered this from HobbyKing: Park480-1020/35025 Turnigy Park480 Brushless Outrunner 1020kv (US Warehouse) = $19.21
Will re-use a Plush 60A ESC for this.
I have 4S 2650mAh 20c I will try in this, probably will give good performance, or maybe step up to a 30C or greater later on. Servos: #TG9e/22928 Turnigy TG9e 9g / 1.5kg / 0.10sec Eco Micro Servo (US Warehouse).
Also, I think FT could add simple block EPO or EPP foam shaping to make some parts of the build easier. I plan this for the canopy and scoops. Just rough cut foam with a blade and sand last step to fit in space. Minwax everything and spray on colors. Maybe a final coat of Minwax. But this looks like a cheap, quick build for a fun, fast plane.
Will let you know how the build goes.
Log In to reply
mkoutnik on August 27, 2013
Awesome Airplane!
Log In to reply
syazwan on September 1, 2013
i can't waiting any more... arrgggggg..... this model awesome......
Log In to reply
Nobel0 on August 19, 2013
Hello,
OMG so fun ,, i am really hope to fly and fun like you :) ...
Thanks all
Best Regards
Log In to reply
Cortes Gary on August 19, 2013
Great job but I'm waiting for "Dusty"! Hopefully he will be great at slower speeds as well the faster ones. Fun to see and fly. Can hardly wait.
Log In to reply
twjones12 on August 20, 2013
I definitely want the speed build kit, i like the ease of your kits. thanks can't wait to build
Log In to reply
DStevens3800 on August 21, 2013
Two words....a mazing!

Always a blast to watch your videos.

Thanks guys
Log In to reply
i4cu on August 22, 2013
I like your glasses! David!
Log In to reply
jpleaner on August 28, 2013
How are the build plans coming along guys??

Log In to reply
derekjg on August 19, 2013
I vote yes get it on a kit it is one of the best RC planes in the world .
Log In to reply
Crashpilot1000 on August 20, 2013
Too bad that this thing will only fly in a movie:
http://herocomplex.latimes.com/movies/oblivion-tom-cruise-bubble-ship-spacecraft-design-form-follows-function/#/0
Log In to reply
Bur_Lion on August 19, 2013
Awesome plane! Please make a KIT! And sell it! I already want to buy! Best wishes from Russia! :)
Log In to reply
RC Wonder on August 21, 2013
cool when are the plans coming
Log In to reply
YWGFoamieFlyer on August 26, 2013
I have yet to purchase a kit from Flitetest, but this would definitely change that, if it gets released as a kit. Such a unique and fun aircraft, can't wait for the build video!
Log In to reply
LordVader on September 1, 2013
I hope the plans are coming soon for this and the Duster. I am soooo excited about the planes you guys develop and put out for all of us. The vids are awesome as always. Keep it up. P.s. I'm anxiously waiting for to see what you guys come up with next.
Log In to reply
Kiowa Mech on August 19, 2013
This is so awesome, it would be a great present for my son. Thanks guys.
Log In to reply
MarkNumskull on August 23, 2013
This is a cool little plane, I'm looking forward to the plans, this could be my winter project this year!
Log In to reply
joann69 on August 19, 2013
You guys are incredible, I love it. Please put the plans and a build video up real real real soon. I have to build the FT Slinger. Also a Slinger Kit would be wonderful.
Log In to reply
SR-71 on August 19, 2013
So cool, loved the movie...love this airplane...you guys are the best.
Log In to reply
jesses151 on August 27, 2013
Put me down for a kit! Awesome winter project.
Log In to reply
racer7c on August 19, 2013
Awesome! Can't hardly wait for the plans I Have a 9yr old son that I've got interested in this hobby cause you guys. We have built an Old Fogey that started it all and a Baby Blender, Staples printed out the plans for the spitfire thats getting ready to be built! I can not thank you guys enough for the inspiration and and guidance you have provided!
Log In to reply
sailorJohn on August 19, 2013
Very enjoyable episode ,looking forward to canopy design.
Log In to reply
casehatter on August 19, 2013
I haven't bought a kit in a while but the best plane you come up with we need the kit but I guess I can build it .. Good job guys and keep up the good work.
Log In to reply
amtpdb1 on August 21, 2013
You need to show us things that seem so simple to you. What type of spinner is this, I have looked trying to get a size spinner that works with electrics and I can't. You don't mention it but on one plane you put the esc turned down for cooling from the bottom. Mention the paint and colors you used. I have looked around and can't seem to find the colors you used. Please add these type of things to your videos that you seem to feel are not necessary. Remember that you are helping people that have not been or are just getting into the hobby. You mention the motors sometimes. Mention which motor/ prop combination you are using. I have looked at RCtimer and HK for motors, but don't seem to find the combinations you are using. Some of us that are on a budget don't have money to buy some combination that does not work properly. You have already done the testing and know what worked, Please tell us and save us some money.
Thanks for your videos. (Please post the plans even if the build video is not ready so we can have the plans printed and parts cut out ahead of time)
You guys are very talented on building and designing things that work!
Don
Log In to reply
flight monkey on August 30, 2013
YES ! I highly agree with my Freind amtpdb 1, he is undoubtedly very correct. We Flitetest fans are mostly Newbies, and would like to get the exact same results. It is getting very difficult to figure out what you are using, since you dont seem to be getting parts from HK anymore. I dont recognize those parts, like I used to.
Log In to reply
amtpdb1 on September 4, 2013
When are the plans coming?
Log In to reply
RoyBro on August 19, 2013
Great planes and great video. I love the playfulness of the two of you flying so close and not caring if they crash.

Videos like this just make me smile.
Log In to reply
Timeless on August 19, 2013
Correct me if I'm wrong, and I definitely don't want to ruin the fun. But isn't this plane design copyright protected by Disney?
Log In to reply
tramsgar on August 19, 2013
Unless they make a kit, pre-painted and all, it's fair use.
Log In to reply
Timeless on August 20, 2013
For as far as I know, Men is not allowed to copy an design or name and advertise with it without permission of its author. Even if it is for Home use and the genuine author has been mentioned, Its still forbidden. The same thing happens when people put music in their youtube videos which is not theirs, and by thinking "hey i mentioned the artist or author, it should be legal" actually no its still not allowed without permission of the law having artist.

It is allowed to make an copy of the original just for yourself without advertising.
Don't get me wrong, I really like FliteTest and all stuff they do to get RC modeling to people. and I surely don't want to be hateful to those guys. I just want to give some information about this subject. besides I don't know if they contacted Disney about this design.
Log In to reply
Jimmy the Heater on August 20, 2013
I was worried about that as well....Don't want to see the guys get in trouble! Excellent build and even though I haven't seen the movie yet, I'm amazed at how it looks like the promo pictures of the movie. Stellar job!
Log In to reply
sekfire on August 22, 2013
from chile, good job :)
Log In to reply
mavik on August 19, 2013
OMG This is great, as always, good job :)
Log In to reply
LordVader on August 19, 2013
WOW! This looks awesome. I already love the spitfire and baby blender. I built a F4 Cosair with a swappable power pod. Now this, it looks alittle like a P40 warhawk. Can't wait to build this!:)
Log In to reply
RCbacon on August 19, 2013
I would really like if you guys made a kit :) Becuse i Sweden dollar tree foam board is not avalible( what i know atleast) and i dont think i can build it with the material i can get :( So please make a kit :)
Log In to reply
tramsgar on August 19, 2013
Prova artistbutiken.se.
Log In to reply
JustinTime on August 19, 2013
WOW! $6.50 per board.
Log In to reply
RCbacon on August 20, 2013
Thank you so much for the tip :)
Log In to reply
tramsgar on August 22, 2013
NP, sorry I don't have a buddy code or aff link =).
Log In to reply
stephen on August 25, 2013
We don't have it in Australia but you can get foam board from picture framing shops . I've been buying it from a craft supplies shop.
Log In to reply
flight monkey on August 30, 2013
Yikes!, thats expensive board.
Log In to reply
alecjohnson723@yahoo.com on August 19, 2013
guys please make this a kit the plane looks awesome!
Log In to reply
Snoopy3272002 on January 19, 2015
Yes please make speed buildkit and decals

Log In to reply
Hog chief on August 19, 2013
When will the plans and build vid be up!!!!!! AWESOME great job guys

Log In to reply
Nathan_116 on August 20, 2013
you guys should contact Disney and get a sponsorship out of this, who knows, maybe they'll endorse it and make you official product makers.

also, the only way they get in trouble is if they make an exact replica, and not to be mean but this is far from exact, you'd need the right colors, dimensions, and all.
Log In to reply
Crashpilot1000 on August 21, 2013
"you guys should contact Disney and get a sponsorship out of this, who knows, maybe they'll endorse it and make you official product makers."
I guess, they already did. The worst case szenario would be if Disney says yes, I want to see Josh and David in a timelapse cutting a million foam pieces....
Log In to reply
Good Kebo on August 21, 2013
10:58 that was a great shot!
Log In to reply
pasaury on August 30, 2013
(from italy)....WONDERFUL!!!
My daughter (and I) can not wait to see the video!
you could also post the plans?
tx
Log In to reply
Howiecs on November 11, 2013
Wow what a great little plane! How would I go about getting the plans to build one of those? I would love to put one together for my Grand son. You guys do a great job and I love to watch your videos.
Thank you for all you do.
Log In to reply
Hell2Go on October 14, 2013
I just finnished assembling my ripslinger and noticed tha the plan says its 29.5 in wingspan but in actuallity its about 40 inches and it requires four servo extentions. I ran out of extentions and cant paint till i get more! plane is looking awesome,can't wait to maiden it!
Log In to reply
Hell2Go on October 21, 2013
maidened it... too much throw on my alerons and not enough onthe tailfeathers and not enough motor with a 2826-2200 turnigy with the 2200mh lipo on a 6x4. maybe too much downthrust on it, had trouble installing the powerpod, (tight fit). When I killed the motor on approach, the plane seemed to smooth out and glide forever, almost seemed to accelerate when the motor cut?!? Need money to get a bigger motor! I'llaccept a donation! donate generously cause beast motors are pricey! :)
Log In to reply
Hell2Go on October 21, 2013
I have a turnigy 4240-1300kv just laying around, wonder what that will do to the slinger?!?
2300g of thrust!
Log In to reply
Hell2Go on October 22, 2013
I put in the 4240 with great difficulty. made a plywood box to put it in cause its the backwards motor design (never shoulda bought that one) used a 2200mh in the back of the pod to bet close to balance and taped a "AA" battery in hole under tail for perfect balance. used an 8x7 apc prop for about 1500g of thrust. just enough for the 30mph wind that I flew it in. next calm day I get I'll try my 12x6 for about 2300g thrust. electronically irresponsible, but it should prove to be fun!!
Log In to reply
IzeHouze on January 20, 2014
I think you did the same thing I did. When printing PDF, you have to turn off the Scale and Center option/Stretch to Fit. It blows up the pages to 137% scale. :-) I ran with the overscale version but it still works very well. Mine won't be a swappable as I now know to keep original scale.
Log In to reply
PeterGregory on May 24, 2014
Happy Accident. Let us know how it flies.
Log In to reply
IzeHouze on January 18, 2014
Wow guys, where to start! I couldn't wait to do a full flight before I posted this. Like the previous poster this is my first scratch build. Just to one up it, this is my first RC plane! Talk about jumping into the deep end. I have been building this up over a few weeks as I had 0 hardware. No radio, NOTHING! I believe my saving grace is my long love of flight sims. Thousands of hours. :-) I saw this flying and I knew this had to be the first one. Not just a store kit, not just a rigid paper airplane. It has some real world roots and some real wing characteristics. I threw in an E-Max 2210/11 with an 8X4, 3S-2200, 30A ESC (overkill). Did a toss test in the back yard, in the tall grass. It was like a dart! I couldn't wait, so I powered it up, gave it toss and it took off like a champ. You'd have thought I had been doing this forever. No problems at all. I hadn't planned on flying it then, so I only had a storage charge on the battery. So I did a couple laps, brought it in, landed. My heart was like a jack-rabbit, but it was great! :-D I should be able to get it out tomorrow and get some real flight time with it. Thanks guys for your great site and business model!
Log In to reply
Oatman on January 9, 2014
Thank you FT team for your wonderful work making the hobby more accessible to a wider audience. Thanks for the kits and making the plans free. My first ever scratch build and first time building from plans since a few travesties I attempted in my teenage years... the things I did to balsa ... just wrong. PLEASE make kits available to the UK as I spent 80% of my time and effort just lining up tiles and trying to cut the foam ... especially those folding score cuts... please... laser cut ... save us!
Log In to reply
rachdian on January 19, 2014
crazy, inspiring me.. it's an awesome article, extremely likey!
thx both of you guys... :)

@adhirachdian
Log In to reply
zent987 on April 8, 2014
ребята скажити чё за матирял там

Log In to reply
bluetear000 on May 4, 2014
on my second ft slinger buy far it is one of my favoriets from flight test switched motor from a 2826-6 2200 kv witch made this plane crazy fast to a NTM Prop Drive Series 28-26A 1200kv witch is used on the spitfire and i am a bit confused as this motor seams to barely keep the plane in the air i am using a 8x6 G/F master air screw on the motor. Any help would be great i love this plane
Log In to reply
DVIRGIN24S on August 20, 2014
Great episode guys, im definitely building this for my lil boy and already bought the speed build kit from you guys. im a beginner on this hobby and I watched all your episodes on beginners an thank you for all the information you give out.
Log In to reply
jksbusiness on March 29, 2015
What a fun loving little flyer. Someday I will be able to handle a plane like the Slinger. Thanks for the relaxing video.
Log In to reply
flyerdude on October 13, 2015
To David / Josh:
Is it possible to receive the drawings as an autocad / dxf file?
The reason I ask is that here in Europe the foamboard is 5.5mm thick. Your plans are based on 4.5mm thickness. Scaling the plans is bad because 5.5/4.5 = 12.2% larger = heavier = needs probably another power setup = possibly other flight caracteristics etc.
Compensating the wallthickness while building sometimes results in non fitting and ugly looking parts.
It's also ok to send an adapted pdf if you worry about sending a modifyable drawing "into the world", but I thought I would take the part of converting out of your hands so you don't have the extra work (and maybe don't bother to comply).

Thanks in advance
Log In to reply
Daboy123 on July 1, 2017
Can you give me the full materials needed in building FT RACER.
Log In to reply
kaset001 on August 7, 2018

Log In to reply

You need to log-in to comment on articles.

FliteTest

(91)

FT - Slinger