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Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 12:12 pm
by Derek
Recently, Flite Test has done a video where they took a $10 foam "chuck" glider and converted it to RC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2Y3ok-lTEE

No, this isn't a new concept. There are a lot of videos on Youtube about doing this. In fact, my first rc plane was a chuck glider that I converted to rc. It was amazing how much I learned during this process. I crashed a lot because I didn't understand throttle management nor did I understand how IMPORTANT "center of gravity" is in order to get sustained and controllable flight. In time, the plane became more hot glue and bamboo skewers than foam but it did fly, lol. Here is a video of my most successful flight with the rc converted "chuck" glider.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BETp4Y1PqGM&t=137s

When I watch that video now, I have to laugh at how much talking I did at the end, lol.

Anyway...after seeing the video from Flite Test, I've decided to take a break from my other projects and build a new $10 "chuck" glider and convert it to rc.
chuck glider.jpg
chuck glider.jpg (88.71 KiB) Viewed 3240 times
This time, the plan is to use the 64mm EDF that I have in my parts bin. I've been wanting to do this specific project for a few years now but never got around to it, until now. I'll add some carbon fiber strips to the wings, to add rigidity. For control surfaces, I think I'm just gonna use elevons on the tail and fly by "bank and yank." I'm going to try to keep all the electronics away from the nose because the current COG is approximately 2/3 the distance back from the leading edge of the wing, which is odd because most planes have the COG 1/3 back from the leading edge. So, with the current COG so far back, I really don't want to add components too far in front of that. Granted, the EDF will definitely be in front of the COG but I think I can get the plane to balance out with the two tail servos and a 3S 2200mah pack just slightly behind the COG.

More to come!

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 7:50 pm
by Graham Lawrie
That was great Derek, makes me want to get a plank:)

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2018 9:10 pm
by Derek
Thats cool man! Planes can be a lot of fun too. I have an fpv glider. Ive not flown it via fpv yet but even LOS, its quite relaxing.

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 3:23 am
by Derek
Here is the finished product. $10 foam chuck glider converted to EDF RC.
20180620_231627.jpg
20180620_231627.jpg (3.93 MiB) Viewed 3213 times

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 7:33 pm
by Graham Lawrie
Taht looks cool Derek:) Why the fan in the middle instead of prop? Cant wait for the video:)

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:46 pm
by Derek
I opted for the EDF because i had it in my spare parts bin. Also, ive seen dozens of YouTube videos of real big rc gliders with turbines on them. I am hoping this 64mm EDF will be enough to push this glider around.

I wanted to maiden the plane today but its been raining all day. Ugh!

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Thu Jun 21, 2018 11:47 pm
by Derek

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 5:44 am
by Graham Lawrie
That was awesome:) dont know what was better ACDC or the jet powered glider:)

Re: Foam Glider Converted To RC

Posted: Sat Jun 23, 2018 10:52 am
by Derek
I just hope this 64mm EDF is strong enough to fly this glider. If not, ill have to order a 70mm edf and run 4S lol