RE: how to sttrengthen without adding weight?
Correct me if I am wrong here- the load bearing areas are the point where the wing screws into the fuse, landing gear block and firewall. So, I plan as follows
1) In this airplane, the ply where the wing bolts on is so thin, when I tried to install the wing, the anti-rotation dowels were tight with the holes and the side of the fuse actually bent out of shape. I plan to use 1/16 birch ply there
2) The LG block is actually quite thick. But based on my buddy's experience with the same airplane, everytime he deadsticked, the LG pulled out. So I will add a couple of ply formers with CF sandwiched in between, then tristock on the side s where it meets the fuse. This will be 30 min epoxy, I cant see where I am working, just feel with my fingers
3) Another flier with the same airplane had his firewall comeoff in the first flight. So I will fibre glass / use CF woven sheet there for strength. Also, the engine box extends upto the fuse tube. That will be doubled with 1/16" birch ply there as well with lots of holes for lightening. I will use epoxy here as well for strength
4) For the fuse, I am going to wick in thin CA and then thick CA. I think the LHS has foam safe kicker on clearance sale. Most likely I wont use the 1/16 birch formers that I cut for the fuse. Even if I do, it will be mostly a frame with only 5mm rim all around and remaining part cutoff with a cross stringers left. That will keep weight at a premium.
5) Bottom of the fuse is just stringers. Since we transport the airplanes in a sedan with the front seat rolled back, this is the part that bears weight in transportation and most likely to crack. I plan to put in CF stringer sandwiched between the original and additional balsa strip. This will prevent cracking. Since rest of the bays are open, the 2.4G signal wont get blocked
An associated question- will the DLE20 give me similar power at 50% (hovering power) as a 120ax? My buddy flies with a 120ax and it flies well. I want to go gas with this one but I am not sure whether the traction will be sufficient for 3D
Ameyam