Pattern Biplane
02-09-2018, 07:03 AM
#281
Pretty sure this one will make it. I threw all servos, batteries, speed control, prop RX and anything else I could think of that will eventually go into it and it came out at 10 lbs even. That gives me a pound for glassing and painting along with some hardware. I'm pretty certain that with some changes to the fuse layup I can pull a half pound out of the next one.
02-11-2018, 07:06 PM
#282
All the surfaces are glassed. I will give them a couple days to cure and then they will get blocked out with some 320 grit. I haven't removed the ailerons or elevators as of yet. I figured it would reduce the numbe of parts that I would have to glass and it should keep the control surfaces a better fit when they get hinged. I also fabricated up some wing fences that have tabs that will protrude through the outer surface of the wings tomthe inner surface where these tabs will become the strut mounts. I still have to finish the strut plug and then pull a mold from it. I also felt the need to put some bushings into the fuselage where the upper wing anti rotation pins insert. Right now the CF pins interface with a CF plate, not the best for long life. Problem was I could not find any the correct size. Solution? Make them myself out of fiberglass.
04-05-2018, 05:26 AM
#288
FWIW.... On one of the FB groups somebody was using white epoxy primer and adding West Systems 410 microlight filler. I believe he mixed equal VOLUME of filler and primer. It was used as a high build primer. Very easy sanding and very little weight gain. A normal mix of primer was then used as a white base to paint on.
The Divergent is looking very good Shawn! Can't wait for it to get some clear on and assembled.
Ken
The Divergent is looking very good Shawn! Can't wait for it to get some clear on and assembled.
Ken
04-07-2018, 11:12 AM
#292
Wait, Wait, Wait.....You are going to fly this thing????? I thought it was a static display plane to hang from the ceiling.
I was expecting you to bring it to my lake house this summer, fill it with candy, and use it for a pinata......
Where did I go wrong????? I was sure we talked about that last year........
Seriously, it is looking good. How is the weight? Still under?
Scott
I was expecting you to bring it to my lake house this summer, fill it with candy, and use it for a pinata......
Where did I go wrong????? I was sure we talked about that last year........
Seriously, it is looking good. How is the weight? Still under?
Scott
04-08-2018, 10:31 AM
#293
It's getting close, all that's really left is the servo and linkage install. It is a bit heavy according to my bathroom scale but that is with my heavy 5000 mah batteries and a few items that could be lighter such as wheels and some additional wire. I can also do a bit of cut and polish on the clear to remove a bit of weight. With a few minor changes it can be brought down to 11 1/3 lb. I have learned enough building this one that I can apply and with a less flashy paint job and film covering on the wings and stabs it is possible to have one come out at 10.5 lbs.
04-18-2018, 01:45 PM
#299
Not too bad Shawn. Last July that thing was an idea and some drawings on a piece of paper and we were kicking around composite ideas and methods at my lake house. Less than a year later and it is ready to fly with production molds. I like it. Still ugly, but I like it......
Scott
Scott
04-18-2018, 04:46 PM
#300
I always liked it. Sometimes less and sometimes more. haha Now that it is complete and painted it all comes together nicely. From my perspective it was quite the effort to do. From Shawn's perspective I'll bet he is glad the project is almost complete. I would have been burned out long ago. I can't wait for the first impression flight report. Of course with a pattern or any plane for that matter you never really know how it flies until you get 30 or 40 flights on it.
Great job Shawn!
Ken
