RV - (Almost) - 7 Scratch Build

Hi Flitetest community!

Just recently as many of you would have seen, Flitetest did an episode on Mr Furey's RV-7 smoke system. The shape and style of the aircraft was gorgeous! So much so, it inspired me to build my own! 

Google images is a fantastic resource for three view images of aircraft. This simple three view served its purpose and upon blowing up the image, I drew up the fusalage and tail surfaces. 

The plans of the fusealage, elevator and rudder. 

I then moved on to the build stage.

Drawing and cutting out the plans onto the foam board was a breeze. Since I only had one sheet, the left over section was used for the wing, which was essentialy folded over itself, making for a nice solid wing. The spar that runs through the wing was one strip of foam board, no building up needed. This makes for a thin slippery wing in the air.

Altogether the finished product was this (see below). Unfortunately I didnt take any photo's during the build. I did however take some, pre maiden and painting.

As you can see the plane came together nicely, epecially the wing and tail surfaces.

It is also worth noting the landing gear. It has held up in the foam board phenominally well! Using the added support of the baby paddle-pop sticks (popsical sticks - I'm from Australia) and a healthy amount of hot glue it has survived a few heavy landings, without need of repair!     

The RV-7 also has ample room in the fuselage, with the front hatch popping up for the battery (1600 mah 3s)




The canopy also opens, giving good acces to the servo tray, receiever and linkages. 

The battery compartment, with the space for the bullet connectors coming through was a happy accident. As a rough first try at the battery and motor mount section of the plane, the battery tray was a piece of scrap. However the shape ended up giving good access for the wires so it was kept!
 



Then out to my local club for the maiden.....

Unfortunately I forgot the camera, so no photos were taken. Running a 1300mah 3s it took off, quite cleanly, however on the first turn, I instantly recognised the characteristics of a tail heavy aircraft. Naturally a battle was to be had and the friendly air brought her back down safely with only a slight grass stain!

Since the weather was glorius at the time, and with a spare 1600mah battery in the car, it was plugged in and ready for another attempt...

A Success! The plane flew outstandingly, considering it was a) prototype 1 and b) built in less than 6 hours! Loops, rolls, stalls. The only issue I found was a sloppy rudder, but a slight tweaking lead to a far smoother movement.

Back home with the the maiden a success, a paintjob was in order! The Gold of Mr Fureys RV-7 seemed appropriate and I threw in a few stars as well.  

Progressivly I am pushing the plane harder and harder and it has coped well in all aspects. Its stall characteristics are outstanding!! I tried many a time to get it to drop a wing, but no! It would just float down! The first time I tested the stall I couldnt help laugh and smile for the whole flight! It was real surprise! 

Specs:
Battery: 1600mah 3s
Esc: Turnigy plush 25 amp
Motor: Turnigy Aerodrive D2822/14 1450Kv 
Prop: 8x4
Servo: Hextronic 9g x3
Receiver: Orange R515 

Flight Time: 12- 15 minutes

On the whole, for my first attempt at a scratchbuild, I could not be happier! The plane doesnt quite have the same lines as the real RV-7 but the rudder and slightly swept back landing gear make for a nice aircraft!

Those who are interested in obtaining plans and building one of your own, please leave your comments below and ill see what I can do about drawing some up.

Happy Flying and may the breeze be ever in your favour!