Many people have asked what the heck is my planes name. Lately I've just kept it under the design name... I've decided to go with Aerosodle, a mispelled version of Aristodle and the UAV Aerosonde.. There have been a few design changes along the way, making this the final production version.

Everyone has probably seen the laser cuts I had done earlier this week.. These ran me about $30 for both the wood and the laser cuts.



Some of the new things that I've done is add holders for the battery pack and stearing servo. The last couple versions I would just glue or rubber band them to the side of the fuse. This cleans things up a bit. Also I've extended the fuse out another inch, and up about a half inch. more on this later...



The fuse is also 3 layer ply / balsa sandwitch. This allows you to mount the Axi motor on the sucker with out having to worry about the shaft.



I've also changed the ribs in the wing around a bit. After playing around with Profili a bit, I've changed the lightening holes a bit. This is the wing with the laser cut ribs and spar.




Laser Custs - $30
CA Glue and Kicker - $10
Total project cost so far? - $40 USD

Now for the twist! I've been trying to think of a way to make a profile design a bit more aerodynamic. Having all these batteries and wires hanging off has to create drag. Not to mention it doesn't look to appealing. The solution! An Estes BT-80 nose cone and rocket tube!




When you buy rocket tubes they come in a two pack. This gives you enough tube to cover the design. I've also extended the height of the fues so it fits inside of the rocket tube. I'll still have to use screws to hold it onto the fuse. But no big deal.


Laser Custs - $30
CA Glue and Kicker - $10
Estes Rocket Nose Cone - $7
Estes Rocket BT-80 Tube - $7

Total project cost so far? - $54 USD

I'll be sure to post more as I go along. I need to pick up more balsa to skin the leading edge of the wings with.

Just found these fishing rod cases. They are relatively light when compared to a cardboard shipping tube and need no painting job. (As long as you like black projects )
You can adjust their lenght at will, so CG management is easy.
http://www.dream-fish.co.uk/acatalog/5560big.jpg

Originally Posted by Gwelan

Just found these fishing rod cases. They are relatively light when compared to a cardboard shipping tube and need no painting job. (As long as you like black projects )

That's pretty cool. I know the rocket tubes are WAY lighter than the cardboard shipping tubes.

--Scott

where did u get the laser cutting done at

Originally Posted by banks

where did u get the laser cutting done at

Alex who runs AK-Models.com

http://www.ak-models.com/lasercutservices.htm

I believe he also cuts bluecore

Scott,

Looking good bro!.. Some of those wrenches look a little big for a balsa UAS though!!
Question:.. Does the BT-80 mean the tube is 80mm in diameter?.. If not, what is the diameter?

Myron

Originally Posted by Myron

Question:.. Does the BT-80 mean the tube is 80mm in diameter?.. If not, what is the diameter?

Here's the specs from Tower Hobbies..

SPECS:
Length: 14" (36cm)
Diameter: 2-5/8" (6.6cm)

Bit more progress on things here... I have the wing skinned, sanded and ready for covering. Also did a few test fits of everything.

More test fitting... This time the main gear and the carbon fiber rods... Also painted the front rocket tube and nose cone.

Started covering. Just have the Wing and the tail to go...

Great work! Tell me ... where does the camera go?

Originally Posted by Hogster

Great work! Tell me ... where does the camera go?

Still trying to figure that out. I figured on top of the plane, in the nose cone, or under where the landing gear is. I was also looking on the tail, but don't know if the prop would get in the way.

Things have been going slow. We have a couple people out at work, so I've been working 12 hour days. I have the wing completely covered. Next is the tail and the ailerons. I should have those covered tonight. After that motor, servos, and landing gear will go on.

Finished covering everything but the Ailerons. I'll be working on that tonight. I'm almost tempted to find a Estes version of the Hellfire missle and mount it under the wing.

I'll also be mounting my landing gear and AXI motor on tonight.

That's looking VERY smooth and professional. Might needs s when it's outside though.

Great job!