Airplanes: The Easy Glider

This is the 2M RC glider I've been flying around this summer. It's manufactured by multiplex. They're a German company, but the product is manufactured (very well) in The Philippines. The model has ailerons, rudder, and elevator and is a blast to fly. Made out of elapor foam, a combination of EPP and elapor, this craft is incredibly durable. Believe it or not, but the second time I took it out I landed it nose first in the street from about 25 feet up due to a split second moment of dis-orientation. I thought for sure it was totaled, but amazinlgy it survived completely with only a slight dent in the nose. I was back up in the air after a well deserved beer.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 9

Structural construction is now complete. I'll be using microlite plastic covering to finish it up. One obstacle remains however, after the covering and radio install. I'm not 100% sure I have the incidence correct. I made sure the wing saddle matched the prints, but I'd like to measure to be sure, and of course I don't want to drop more cash on an incidence meter. Does anyone have an accurate way of measuring this using a straight edge or something?

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 8

The wing is finally complete. It's been a busy summer, so finishing this project is proving difficult- but with this step complete, progress is being made. I still need to add the glass tape at the center, but I wanted to document it at this stage because I think the tape clashes with the overall form. This was my first scratch built wing. It was a great learning experience, but I'm looking forward to my next project being a laser cut kit.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 5

This is taking longer than I thought. I forgot that I would also have to make my own drawings. Below is a picture of the left wing panel with 6 more ribs to fit. Notice the steel straight edge at the leading edge- this is the first time I tried this, and it works very well because it not only trues up the LE, it gives you a more solid object to work with, which in turn helps make sure the ribs can be sung without bowing any of your straight lines.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 4

I shaped the wing ribs today. This was the first time I used the stacking technique, and it seems to work well. It's exciting to see this glider finally take shape.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 3

The fuselage for my Chuperosa RC glider is practically complete. It's constructed out of balsa, spruce, and plywood. The open framework took some time, but it does add a unique look. The next phase in this project is to frame up the wings. I need to buy a simple Drill Press first though, so I can make an accurate stack of ribs as described in this previous post.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part Two

I have started construction on the replacement wing for my Chuperosa RC glider. Below you can see the stack of 1/16" blanks along with the aluminum root and tip templates. These will be formed into a stack, bolted together, and shaped to conform to the templates. Luckily, my Dad recommended this method, as I was unsure of how to proceed after I destroyed the foam core wing. I found an application that seems like it could work, but since the free version is cripple-ware, I could not be bothered with it. The method I chose should work just fine, and is described in detail here. (Link is a PDF) That link by the way, is an awesome reference and true wealth of knowledge for RC glider builders and pilots alike. The RC Soaring Digest is a great example of the open source
philosophy, and they allow anyone complete and unrestricted access to their archives. Let us know what your favorite spots on the web/library/newsstand are for RC model/hobbies by posting a comment.

Airplanes: Chuperosa Part 1

Here's a 1.5 meter 2Ch. sailplane currently in the assembly line. Called the Chuperosa- it's an old kit with sheeted foam core wings, built up fuse, and sheet tail feathers. Unfortuantely, I was dealt a setback the other week when I attempted to sheet the wings. I was using Dave Brown Southern's Sorghum for the adhesive and after I applied the glue and placed the top sheet on, I noticed it was a bit crooked so I attempted to re-set and destroyed the skin. It was very frustrating due to the time it took to make the skins. I do not recommend using that type of glue. Next time, (if I can bring myself to work with foam cores again) I will use the white glue technique as described here. So now, the next step is to scratch build a traditional wing using the root airfoil as my main pattern. It appears that the company who manufactured this kit is no longer around- if any of you have built or flown a chuperosa, know of any groups, resources associated with this model please post a comment. I will have several more posts on this project starting next week so, as always check back often! Below are the pics of the fuse, and tail assemblies and the front cover of the instruction manual

Airplanes: Mini Kestral

Here's a small scale RC glider that I recently completed called the Mini Kestral. It was designed by the master modeler Dave Robelen. It has a 38" high aspect-ratio wingspan, and is built completely out of lightweight contest grade balsa. I found the construction article in the now (unfortunately) defunct Radio Control Microflight magazine. Plans can be purchased here. I still need to install the electronics- which will not be easy due to the small size of this bird. Stay tuned for new posts when she's flight ready, along with posts from the field on the maiden flight!