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Overview

Purpose

  • I want to convince you it is not that difficult to build an aircraft that flies!
  • learn the most important design variables - weight, wing area, tail sizing, center of gravity, etc.
  • learn control surface linkage geometry and considerations
  • learn the basics of RC electronics - battery, motor, servo, receiver - should be able to describe the function of all these components
  • fun competition

Goals/Constraints

Construct an aircraft for maximum endurance with the given hardware and materials. There are lots of possible solutions, and it is ok to not use all of the given materials (e.g. flying wing with only two servos).

Hardware

- (1x) APC 10x4.7 SF Prop
- (1x) SunnySky X Series V3 X2305 Brushless Motor 1450KV
- (1x) Hobbywing Skywalker 20A V2 Airplane ESC with BEC (or 30A version depending on availability)
- (4x) EMAX ES9051 Digital Mini Servo
- (1x) RadioMaster ER4 2.4GHz ELRS PWM Receiver
- (2x) Molicel P42A 21700 Li-ion Battery

Materials

- Readi-board foamboard (Dollar Tree)
- Hot glue
- Packing tape
- Paper clips / other metal rods (control linkages)
- 3D printed parts (motor mount, control horns...?)
- Anything else you would like to add within reason

Expectations

  • Take ownership of your work
    • ask questions - it's unlikely that I will have covered all the info you will need to know
    • if you want to modify the constraints or add something, ask! - I will most likely allow anything that's not unsafe or out of budget
    • utilize lab hours and/or create your own meeting times
  • Team Leads - Need 4 (1 per team) - Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta
    • Serve as a point of contact between leads and your team
    • Not an engineering lead, just a logistical lead - no prior experience needed
  • The value you get from this project is more important than aircraft performance
    • establish good habits - neat cuts, tight tolerances, clean wiring

Timeline

Stage Date
Preliminary Design Review (PDR) Now - 20 Oct
Manufacturing 20 Oct - 3 Nov
Flying 10 Nov

Resources

I will not mandate exact plans for you to copy - part of this task is to learn to seek out sources combine the best of what you know!