FT Style Swappable Ercoupe

I have always thought that the Ercoupe was a cool looking airplane. I decided that it wouldn't be too hard to make one using FT foam principles. This Ercoupe is very easy to fly and would make a great second airplane. The build is also very simple and will be a piece of cake if you are somewhat familiar with FT build techniques.

RC SPECS:

Wingspan: 39.5 inches

Length: 30 inches

Powerplant: Powerpack C or equivalent 

Prop: 9x6 CCW APC prop

Servos: 3X Turnigy 9g

ESC: 30A

Recommended Battery: Hyperion 2200 mAh 3S 70C

Center of Gravity: 1.25 inches from leading edge 

Flight Time: ~8 - 9 Minutes

Stall Characteristics: Drops Nose, No Wing Drop

PLANS: Ercoupe Plans.pdf

Plenty of hatch space for larger batteries
I had been looking to build an FT-style airplane for a while and finally decided to start finding an airplane to design. I looked to build possibly a Cessna 120/140. However, it came to the conclusion that it would look almost too much like the FT Simple Cub. As I continued to search google images for "private aircraft," "Propeller planes," and "general aviation aircraft," I found the picture above of the Ercoupe. Continuing on and looking at the blueprints I saw that the Ercoupe's wing is proportionally almost the same as the Cessna 120/140 and I decided that this would be the best because I could use the same wing and have two separate aircraft. This would also make an awesome pair from similar time periods which would look awesome in the air together (Teaser).I began with designing the wing (the most important between these two planes). I then tackled the fuselage. I had initially built the fuselage too big and discouraged myself from finishing it. A few days went by and every time I walked by it I could always imagine the "H" tail feathers on it. I pushed myself to fix the fuselage size which turned out to just be too tall and then I designed the recognizable tail feathers. 

This RC plane flies very well and anyone with basic RC skills could fly it. The plans show the third rendition of the design. The build is very simple. It includes a fold over wing that has some pretty high dihedral for an RC plane, but this gives the plane incredible stability. The build also includes a fold up fuselage that tapers at each end and has two single-former turtle decks. To reinforce the powerpod, there are side alignment plates which not only reinforce the bbq skewer holes, but also reinforce the fuselage altogether.

****Note:

 For the hatch, glue the trapezoidal pieces together on top of one another.

Then insert and glue the two semi-circle formers into the slots on the trapezoidal pieces.

Next, glue the hatch end formers on the ends of the trapezoidal pieces.

Glue a popsicle stick on the slanted part of the trapezoid piece

Then, glue the hatch covers on the hatch former and trim as necessary.

I would love to see what others will do with this and how it'll be modified! Start with the provided plans and just let your imagination run wild. Best of Luck! -Aviation Hobbies