Simple cessna 172 swappable (Cloud Dancer)

by 81zapper | June 19, 2015 | (12) Posted in Projects

 

This is a quick Article about a 172 stlye Swappable Cessna that I built. I have named it Cloud Dancer for when it goes into mass production :)

It is a very simple build with only dtf. There are no rounded or curved parts to worry about just foam board all straight cuts and folds. No poster board to deal with as I just can't seem to get a a nice clean fit with any of my builds with it. The plane  flies great for a newbie like myself ( I've been doing this for 3 summers now , is that still a newbie?) . I have made a couple now and they both fly well. I have  also got an area on the  plans for flaps but have yet to try that

 

 Simple straight forward fuse  optional rudder shown. I used this tail on one plane with no rudder control for just bank and yank flying  

 Ready for some dancing

 

TEST FLIGHT

 oh well back to the drawing board

The plane above is the one in the oops video    wing is now glued to fuse for added strength

 This is a better flight

 

Plans are available below for the flite test community.They are also on Ebay if you really really need to donate :)

Cessna 172 Wing tiled

Cessna 172 fuse tiled

Specs.

emax 2212  980 kv motor 

9x6 prop 

20 amp esc

1300 mah battery 

9 gr servo 

gift card  control arms 

 

 

 You can also see other ideas of mine on my Bentech RC facebook page or RC Canuck youtube Channel for flight videos

Currently working on a web page with my designs plus more to come  go to  http://www3.sympatico.ca/pd.bender


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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

COMMENTS

yazooligan on June 30, 2015
I'd love to do this build but I'm confused as to how to fold the wings over. Are there spars? I don't see any on the plans.

Also the description says "swappable" but does that mean swappable with other Flite Test planes? The power pod on the Cessna plans looks smaller than the FT Power Pod. It's a little misleading.

A little more detail in the description or a build video (or even just more pictures of the build process) would go very far in inspiring me to tackle this build.
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81zapper on July 1, 2015
The spars are on page 3.3 and 3.4 on the wing tiled plan . It is put together like most flitetest wings . The flitetest power pod should fit I just made my own without the tabs as they are not required and just cut off the angle at the end . I can send you a detailed build but it will be a while as I am currently working on two other projects but will help you where ever I can
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81zapper on July 1, 2015
That should be 3.3 and 4.3 for pages on odd drawing for spars Sorry about that
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Rookie_1 on June 25, 2015
Looks great. I will have to build this some time.

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PeterGregory on June 25, 2015
Nice addition to the community designs.
What is the wingspan, weight, and did you contemplate ailerons and even flaps?
that is a pretty strong motor - you have the plane well-trimmed.
Maybe post some tech details - great looker, great flyer, nice job.
Cheers,
Poughkeepsie Pete
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81zapper on June 25, 2015
Thanks the wing span 36" have know idea on weight . It does have ailerons just can't see them in the pictures and flaps are on the plans but I haven't tried them yet
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PeterGregory on June 25, 2015
Roger that - great news on all items.
Cheers,
Peter
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jrvalentin62 on June 29, 2015
Thanks for the plans. Great Job! Cheers!
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Desert Wings on June 25, 2015
Good looking, good flying plane....good job.
Did you make your landing gear out of pallet strap type metal?
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81zapper on June 25, 2015
Thank you very much and yes it is pallet metal strapping works good on these light planes has a little spring to it
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scott firman on June 26, 2015
I love this style plane.I would like to add a hood Cowell.I have been experimenting with plastic milk cartons.The plastic is really flexible and light weight.by lightly scoring it on one side I can get a more permanent fold in it.I think this would make an excellent cowell.
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81zapper on June 29, 2015
Let me know if you do it. Would love to see it with the cowl
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81zapper on July 17, 2015
Thanks for your enthusiasm appreciate it . As far as thrust angles no it is all just straight mounting . The fuse is 24.5 inches long not including rudder. As far as a kit is concerned it will be a speed build type idea, with all the parts needed minus electrical . It would come with all foam board required plus motor mount and bbq skewers. It would all be hand cut as I do not have a lazer cutter . I still have not decided whether to cut all the parts out completely or just cut through 75 %
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Tri blades on July 17, 2015
I want to buld one
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andyman723 on August 4, 2015
so you just used the regular power pod what size battery?
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81zapper on August 4, 2015
Yes the regular power pod will fit
I used a 3 cell 1300 mah battery and placed it at the very front for best cg
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Tri blades on July 17, 2015
CAN THIS RUN ON FT POWER PACK C


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81zapper on July 18, 2015
I looked into it and the power pack motor should be ok The motors in the pictures are a GF2215-20 motor . This motor is slight less powerful than the power pack one by 20 watts and weighs .4 oz less. I have two planes built and they both fly well with the 2215 and the motor in the specs
Regards
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Tri blades on July 20, 2015
Thx
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NoUsername on July 17, 2015
81zapper, outstanding design. Nice lines and simple design, was there any down thrust on the motor? And what was the length of the fuselage? Are you working on a short kit and will it be in a speed kit design?
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Gede Arta on July 23, 2015
Where is CG ????
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81zapper on July 24, 2015
On the plane with landing gear the cg is on the first spar past leading edge
The plane with no landing gear the cg is 1 inch after leading edge
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NathanStephenisboss on July 22, 2015
I love cessnas and this one is simple yet looks great. Nice job!
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magicmerlin on August 3, 2016
Cessna 172 (Skyhawk) have always been my favorite planes next to the 152 (Aerobat).
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dmpete316 on September 27, 2016
Great job creating the Cessna 172. By far one of my favorite planes. The plane appears to handle quite well watching the videos. One comment on design: the wheel struts appear to be a bit to tall. How would the design work if you cut them down by half (personal preference)?
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Simple cessna 172 swappable (Cloud Dancer)