Will it fly?

[mecevans]

could not sleep. :D what do you guys think? i stole the wings from a retired mini funtana X. :rolleyes:i also have the SFG's that bolt onto the tips.

[Tom Harper]

Sure, if you can get the CG right. Will probably be an exciting ride.

[Quandumphone]

You can increase your chances greatly if you put some canards out front and some sort of rudder in the back. The key either way will be the balance point. Something like in the modified picture.

[dmgoedde]

Ios can provide input as he has flown a few plank style planes, but my $0.02 worth: I think you'll have a tough time, because the symmetric airfoil is not much like the reflexive MH45 (or similar) commonly used on planks. These plank airfoils also requires the CG to be rather far forward (10% ish from LE). MH45 + 10% CG gives dynamic stability in just the wing itself.

Good luck! I once built a 18" circular plane with elevons and small rudder. With CG far forward enough it was flyable... just barely. I GREATLY improved my flight skills while mastering that plane. Because of it I can now reliably fly almost any experimental plane despite gross balance or trim issues from the git go.

[mecevans]

thanks for the input guys. I'm just building something for the heck of it, using extra stuff i have lying around. i am going to get an 40'' wing cut for a plane like IAD's.

update: here is a picture of the SFG's on, and a mock up rudder...

[Gary Mortimer]

The canards are a damn good idea.

If you put the motor at the front my vote is, too pitchy.

Maybe your teasing and its already flown and you'll prove us all wrong!

Another method is to make it so ugly that the earth repells it.

We like bodged airframes here!

[Quandumphone]

I didn't realize you had winglets. You might not need the rudder if you have those on.

[mecevans]

The canards are a damn good idea.

If you put the motor at the front my vote is, too pitchy.

Maybe your teasing and its already flown and you'll prove us all wrong!

Another method is to make it so ugly that the earth repells it.

We like bodged airframes here!

It will be a pusher. I will try without the canards first. when the wing was on the original plane it was super stable at any speed and angle. no bobbing, sliding, or even wing rock. i even tried snapping the wings from WOT dive's :D . i do not know how it will handle the lighter wing loading.

[Mick Molloy]

I have built and flown many plank gliders on the slope and they are very sensetive about 2 things
1. C of G must be spot on... good luck calc that out...
2. Elevator throws should be SMALL...no really small...

[ios]

Thats a really imaginative configuration and use of components,... well done mecevans :)

I'm personally not too crazy about canards, but I agree with everyone else that proper placement of CG (somewhere b/w 14%-18% chord) is the key to success with flying wings. The SFGs are also great, and I would go on a limb to say that they are sufficient for directional stabilty of your plane without using the vertical tail on the fuselage - however make sure that the SFGs are clear of the ground for landing.

Ideally also a reflex aerofoil section is good for planks, but this isn't rocket science, so a slightly upward deflection of the ailerons for level flight will serve you well.

I've always approached the first flight of my planks cautiously, and have always recommended an unpowered 'glide test' to verify the neutral position of control surfaces before embarking on powered flight.

Flying wings are sometimes twitchy (however they can be designed to be as tame as a trainer - my Aviana being an example of this),... and like Dean said,... they certainly make demands on your concentration and are unforgiving,... and I couldn't agree more that they make you a better r/c pilot.

I think yours will definitely loose alot of altitude also if you were to do a full roll,... so only do it when your high after you've started a climb,... as always, make your maneuvers at a height were you'll get out of trouble after three mistakes ... :)

Have a look at this for a good discussion;

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=780404

Most importantly, have a great time, enjoy yourself..... and keep us posted

[Airboatflyingshp]

Take a look at the Electric Canard thread set up by Canard addict in electric power. Lots of help and expertise.