sumobob
Apr 15, 2003, 01:00 AM
<center>
<strong><big>WindDancer</big></strong>
</center>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image001.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image001_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Wingspan:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
2 meters
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Length:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
26"
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Wing area:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
538 sq. in.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Speed:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
400 with Cosomotech 4.5 – 1 gear box
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Batteries:</strong>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
DMA KAN950 x 8 cells or 500AR x 8 cells
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p style="text-align: right">
<strong>Prop:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
12x7.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Servos:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
3 CS10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Weight:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
20 - 29 oz.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: right">
<strong>Receiver:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
Hitec 555
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p style="text-align: right">
<strong>Wing loading:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p>
5.5 – 7.5 oz./sq. foot
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Available from <a href="http://www.polecataero.com/">Pole Cat Aeroplane Works</a>
</p>
<strong><big>Introduction</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I have become interested in the F5J style of competition. I fly in two classes: Speed 400 and
7-Cell. At the 2002 F5J World challenge I was able keep up in 7 Cell but my Speed 400 plane
was just not competitive. I needed to do something! Being last sucks! At the F5J World
Challenge, Craig Greening was flying the Wind Dancer prototype and took second place. It
looked good to me so I had to get one!
</p>
<p>
The Wind Dancer is a very light 2-meter Speed 400 model. It was designed by Dr. Mark Drela and
appears to be a relative of the discus launched XP-3. The Wind Dancer is available as a
simple polyhedral rudder and elevator ship, with a flap on the center section, and finally a
full house version with ailerons. The model is available as a builders kit, ready to cover or
ARF. Being a lazy person, I chose the ARF flapped poly version. For power I am using a Speed
400 motor, Cosomotech 4.5-1 gear box and a carbon 12x7.5 prop from <a href=
"http://www.jutstar.com/sf/gearbox.htm">Star Flight</a>.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
The kit comes in a sturdy box. Mine was packed securely and all parts arrived safely.
</p>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image002_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
The wing is three sections of conventional rib and spar construction with the leading edge
sheeting laid over a foam core.. The center section is flat and has a wiring pigtail already
installed for the flap servo. The wing joiners are permanently installed in the center
section. The outer panels have the polyhedral built into them. There are carbon sockets for
the wing joiners are installed in the outer panels. The flap is supplied ready to hinge.
</p>
<p>
The tail surfaces are simple sheet balsa. The horizontal stab has the mounting holes
predrilled to match the molded carbon stab mount.
</p>
<p>
The fuselage is a pod and boom type. The pod is fiberglass and comes with a tapered carbon
fiber tail boom. There is a very nice plywood motor mount supplied with the kit. It comes
predrilled for common Speed 400 motors (like the Graupner Speedgear 400) and has vent holes in
it too. There is a hatch supplied for the front. The finish of the fiberglass was good. If you
want, you can finish it with filler and paint it, but you will be adding extra weight.
</p>
<p>
The kit comes with a bag of hardware needed for completion. There are laser cut plywood
control horns, nylon screws to mount the stab and wing, the motor mount, and parts to
construct the flap push rod. You have to supply the push rods for the rudder and elevator.
</p>
<p>
The instructions for the kit are obtained from the Pole Cat web site. They are simple and
anyone who has built a few kits should be able to complete this model. There are nice pictures
of the kit on the web site, which help in assembly.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Construction</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I began construction by installing the motor mount. Since I was using a Cosmotech gear box, I
had to make my own motor mount. The screw pattern is wider and uses 4 screws which is
different from the usual two screw pattern common to most Speed 400 motors and gear boxes. I
made my motor mount from a piece of circuit board, which I got at Radio Shack. Glue it in with
thick jet.
</p>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image003_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p>
Next, I installed the wing. After measuring to ensure that it was on straight, I drilled the
mounting screw holes. The fuselage comes with plywood mounting plates already installed. After
drilling, I tapped the holes for the supplied 10x32 nylon screws. I suggest that you remember
to wick some thin jet into the threads in the wood and run the tap through again after it is
dry.
</p>
<p>
With the wing on, it was time to install the horizontal stab. The kit comes with a molded
carbon fiber part that serves as the mount for the stab on the tail boom. You measure in from
the end of the tail boom as directed by the instructions then slide it into place. As noted in
the instructions, I had to cut the rings of mine at the bottom so that it would fit properly.
Once the mount is in place you glue it on with thin jet. Make sure you remove the stab screws
to eliminate the potential of gluing them permanently to the mount.
</p>
<p>
The vertical stab is next. The boom must be slotted to accept the stab. I used my Dremel with
a cutoff wheel as suggested in the instructions. You will need to remove some covering from
the vertical stab above and below the boom to allow the supplied fiber glass reinforcement to
be applied. I colored the fiberglass with a black magic marker to match the black boom.
</p>
<p>
You need to install some pegs to keep the outer wing panels from wanting to rotate around the
wind joiner rods. I made mine from some 1/8” dowel.
</p>
<p>
With the fixed tail surfaces installed it’s time to install the radio gear. Mount the
servos in the fuselage as far back as you can and still get to the servo horn screws. I made
some spacers for the servos out of balsa and glued them into the fuselage with household goop.
Put tape on the servos so that you can remove them later if needed.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image004_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
For the flap servo, I took the time to remove the original wire and soldered the supplied flap
pigtail into the servo. After adjusting the servo arm center, the servo was glued in with 5
minute epoxy.
</p>
<p>
Run the pushrods along the boom to the tail and connect them using the supplied control horns.
Hinge the control surfaces with hinge tape. Make up the flap rod from the kit supplied
hardware and connect it too.
</p>
<p>
For a final finish, I put a piece of Velcro on the bottom of the wing center section, with the
mating half on the receiver. This way you can slip in the battery easily without any
interference from the receiver.
</p>
<p>
I use tape to hold the canopy on.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Testing</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I put in an 8 cell 500 AR pack and checked the balance. I thought it might be slightly nose
heavy (good for a first flight). Radio check, surfaces going the right direction, motor
running and off we go. The first flight was uneventful.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image005_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
The plane flew well right from the start. It handles nicely with a light touch. You
don’t need much deflection to maneuver. It cruises well, and indicates lift clearly.
With this model even I can find lift! With a weight around 26oz ready to fly this is a really
light plane for a 2 meter, it climbs in the lightest lift.
</p>
<p>
The first time I deployed the flap the nose rose sharply, so just remember to mix some down
elevator into the flap to correct for this. You will need to practice using the flap. With the
flap, you can steepen the glide angle and control the speed so that you can land exactly where
you want.
</p>
<p>
For later flights I added one square of prather stick on lead under the tail mount to move the
balance back. I like the way it flys now even better.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Conclusion</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I recommend this model to anyone who wants a light easy to fly electrically boosted sail
plane. Now to see if I can find lift and get out of LAST PLACE!
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image006.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image006_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<strong><big>WindDancer</big></strong>
</center>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image001.jpg"><img src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image001_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Wingspan:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
2 meters
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Length:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
26"
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Wing area:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
538 sq. in.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Speed:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
400 with Cosomotech 4.5 – 1 gear box
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Batteries:</strong>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
DMA KAN950 x 8 cells or 500AR x 8 cells
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p style="text-align: right">
<strong>Prop:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
12x7.5
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Servos:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
3 CS10
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td align="right" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<strong>Weight:</strong>
</td>
<td align="left" bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
20 - 29 oz.
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p bgcolor="#E6E6E6" style="text-align: right">
<strong>Receiver:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
Hitec 555
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p style="text-align: right">
<strong>Wing loading:</strong>
</p>
</td>
<td bgcolor="#E6E6E6">
<p>
5.5 – 7.5 oz./sq. foot
</p>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<p>
Available from <a href="http://www.polecataero.com/">Pole Cat Aeroplane Works</a>
</p>
<strong><big>Introduction</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I have become interested in the F5J style of competition. I fly in two classes: Speed 400 and
7-Cell. At the 2002 F5J World challenge I was able keep up in 7 Cell but my Speed 400 plane
was just not competitive. I needed to do something! Being last sucks! At the F5J World
Challenge, Craig Greening was flying the Wind Dancer prototype and took second place. It
looked good to me so I had to get one!
</p>
<p>
The Wind Dancer is a very light 2-meter Speed 400 model. It was designed by Dr. Mark Drela and
appears to be a relative of the discus launched XP-3. The Wind Dancer is available as a
simple polyhedral rudder and elevator ship, with a flap on the center section, and finally a
full house version with ailerons. The model is available as a builders kit, ready to cover or
ARF. Being a lazy person, I chose the ARF flapped poly version. For power I am using a Speed
400 motor, Cosomotech 4.5-1 gear box and a carbon 12x7.5 prop from <a href=
"http://www.jutstar.com/sf/gearbox.htm">Star Flight</a>.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
The kit comes in a sturdy box. Mine was packed securely and all parts arrived safely.
</p>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image002.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image002_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
The wing is three sections of conventional rib and spar construction with the leading edge
sheeting laid over a foam core.. The center section is flat and has a wiring pigtail already
installed for the flap servo. The wing joiners are permanently installed in the center
section. The outer panels have the polyhedral built into them. There are carbon sockets for
the wing joiners are installed in the outer panels. The flap is supplied ready to hinge.
</p>
<p>
The tail surfaces are simple sheet balsa. The horizontal stab has the mounting holes
predrilled to match the molded carbon stab mount.
</p>
<p>
The fuselage is a pod and boom type. The pod is fiberglass and comes with a tapered carbon
fiber tail boom. There is a very nice plywood motor mount supplied with the kit. It comes
predrilled for common Speed 400 motors (like the Graupner Speedgear 400) and has vent holes in
it too. There is a hatch supplied for the front. The finish of the fiberglass was good. If you
want, you can finish it with filler and paint it, but you will be adding extra weight.
</p>
<p>
The kit comes with a bag of hardware needed for completion. There are laser cut plywood
control horns, nylon screws to mount the stab and wing, the motor mount, and parts to
construct the flap push rod. You have to supply the push rods for the rudder and elevator.
</p>
<p>
The instructions for the kit are obtained from the Pole Cat web site. They are simple and
anyone who has built a few kits should be able to complete this model. There are nice pictures
of the kit on the web site, which help in assembly.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Construction</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I began construction by installing the motor mount. Since I was using a Cosmotech gear box, I
had to make my own motor mount. The screw pattern is wider and uses 4 screws which is
different from the usual two screw pattern common to most Speed 400 motors and gear boxes. I
made my motor mount from a piece of circuit board, which I got at Radio Shack. Glue it in with
thick jet.
</p>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image003.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image003_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<p>
Next, I installed the wing. After measuring to ensure that it was on straight, I drilled the
mounting screw holes. The fuselage comes with plywood mounting plates already installed. After
drilling, I tapped the holes for the supplied 10x32 nylon screws. I suggest that you remember
to wick some thin jet into the threads in the wood and run the tap through again after it is
dry.
</p>
<p>
With the wing on, it was time to install the horizontal stab. The kit comes with a molded
carbon fiber part that serves as the mount for the stab on the tail boom. You measure in from
the end of the tail boom as directed by the instructions then slide it into place. As noted in
the instructions, I had to cut the rings of mine at the bottom so that it would fit properly.
Once the mount is in place you glue it on with thin jet. Make sure you remove the stab screws
to eliminate the potential of gluing them permanently to the mount.
</p>
<p>
The vertical stab is next. The boom must be slotted to accept the stab. I used my Dremel with
a cutoff wheel as suggested in the instructions. You will need to remove some covering from
the vertical stab above and below the boom to allow the supplied fiber glass reinforcement to
be applied. I colored the fiberglass with a black magic marker to match the black boom.
</p>
<p>
You need to install some pegs to keep the outer wing panels from wanting to rotate around the
wind joiner rods. I made mine from some 1/8” dowel.
</p>
<p>
With the fixed tail surfaces installed it’s time to install the radio gear. Mount the
servos in the fuselage as far back as you can and still get to the servo horn screws. I made
some spacers for the servos out of balsa and glued them into the fuselage with household goop.
Put tape on the servos so that you can remove them later if needed.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image004.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image004_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
For the flap servo, I took the time to remove the original wire and soldered the supplied flap
pigtail into the servo. After adjusting the servo arm center, the servo was glued in with 5
minute epoxy.
</p>
<p>
Run the pushrods along the boom to the tail and connect them using the supplied control horns.
Hinge the control surfaces with hinge tape. Make up the flap rod from the kit supplied
hardware and connect it too.
</p>
<p>
For a final finish, I put a piece of Velcro on the bottom of the wing center section, with the
mating half on the receiver. This way you can slip in the battery easily without any
interference from the receiver.
</p>
<p>
I use tape to hold the canopy on.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Testing</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I put in an 8 cell 500 AR pack and checked the balance. I thought it might be slightly nose
heavy (good for a first flight). Radio check, surfaces going the right direction, motor
running and off we go. The first flight was uneventful.
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
<a href="/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image005.jpg"><img border="0" src="http://static.rcgroups.com/articles/liftzone/2003/apr/wdancer/image005_t.jpg"></a><br>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<blockquote>
<p>
The plane flew well right from the start. It handles nicely with a light touch. You
don’t need much deflection to maneuver. It cruises well, and indicates lift clearly.
With this model even I can find lift! With a weight around 26oz ready to fly this is a really
light plane for a 2 meter, it climbs in the lightest lift.
</p>
<p>
The first time I deployed the flap the nose rose sharply, so just remember to mix some down
elevator into the flap to correct for this. You will need to practice using the flap. With the
flap, you can steepen the glide angle and control the speed so that you can land exactly where
you want.
</p>
<p>
For later flights I added one square of prather stick on lead under the tail mount to move the
balance back. I like the way it flys now even better.
</p>
</blockquote>
<strong><big>Conclusion</big></strong>
<blockquote>
<p>
I recommend this model to anyone who wants a light easy to fly electrically boosted sail
plane. Now to see if I can find lift and get out of LAST PLACE!
</p>
</blockquote>
<p>
<table cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" bgcolor="#000000" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>
<table cellspacing="1" cellpadding="5" align="center" border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td align="center" width="100%" bgcolor="#E6E6E6" colspan="2">
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