Build Update.

Duct and mid-hatch completed and glassed. Nose section framed. Trying to figure out how to approach the front hatch. Vertical fin and all control surfaces cut and shaped. Will work on installing the nose gear and cleaning up the main retracts next week. After all items installed there will be a sanding and one final coat of Polycrylic prior to paint. Will hopefully hit the 1 1/2 lb weight target.

Progress. Way too slow, but progress.

Looking great! Very cool how you have taken this old school plan and replaced the balsa with the more modern and lighter depron!

Thanks. It has been a great project but taking longer to complete than I planned. Learning a lot. I havent scratch built in probably 20 years! I would definately tweak the design a little if I was to do it again. I could save a little more weight and streamline the build.

I am going to see how it flies before I go much farther on any details. Maiden next week. It will have elevons and canard for flight controls. No landing gear. No paint. With a 2200 battery it will be right at the 1 1/2 lb weight. My smaller batteries are not a high enough c rating to support the anticipated load. If it flies ok I will continue with the details.

I wonder if just going with elevons as controls would be a better option.
Canars could be tricky at least at maiden.....
Wishing you best luck!
Janusz

I thought about that too... I think I will put the canard on a mix switch so i can turn it on if it survives the launch Thanks for the input.

II found out to under hand launch it's a lot safer. Read up on it

I see you went to prop in duct. what prop & KV motor

Medusa 3400 kv on 3s. Prop is a 4 in apc. Pitch is either 4.1 or 4.2. Will load check the motor and try to pull 30 amps or so. If this prop falls short I have a 4.75 x4.75 I will trim down to 4. Will try to load check on monday. The local shop is out of bullet connectors right now.

I think better to use cut down 9x6 three blade prop or similar. Lot's three blade EDF's out there. I got three 64mm 3 blade fan's dwr 16amp. on 3s- 1600ma. PS try find 4 blade prop

IMHO if you will use elevons you should keep canards 0-0 and have some reflex
on elevons - so your wing will act as a flying wing.....this way you will have more chance for successful maiden. You will start to add canards to the equation later when you will feel confortable with flying wing.
Just a suggestion....
Oh, one more point - glue 220 grid sandpaper strips in areas where you will grip the fuse for
under hand lounch - this way you will have much better control over the model during this critical moments.

Great stuff. Keep it coming! All advice is appreciated. Canard will be locked to zero for maiden and all prop options will be explored once power is to the motor.

Looking great Fitz!!!

Thanks. I have the family on a ski trip right now and am trying not to think about this build! Will hit it hard when I get back.