Just finished an exciting new design!

Nite StalkerTM
Slow-Flying, Night Airplane

Weight: 26 oz
Wing Span: 35 in
Length: 50 in
Lifting Area: 6.2 sq ft
Wing Load: 4.2 oz/sq ft
Engine: Himax Brushless, geared
Prop: 11 x 4.7 APC
Battery: 3S 1320 Lipo
Duration: 15 minutes
Gear: Retracts, steerable tail
Lights: Neon blue outline, 4 blue LED, 4 red LED

Scratch built from flat 10mm foam, the Nite Stalker is designed to be a stable, slow flying RC airplane for day and night operations. It also makes an impressive sight with its large area during the day, reminiscent of a stealth fighter aircraft. The Nite Stalker has a full compliment of lights installed for excellent visibility that gives the pilot excellent orientation during night maneuvers. Two red LEDs in the gear bay help verify a “gear-up” or “gear-down” position. The forward air-cooling inlet sports two more red LEDs for additional visibility. This tells you the Nite Stalker is flying towards you. On the bottom, four bright blue LEDs blink and the entire plan form is outlined in blue neon. With its light wing loading, the Nite Stalker is easy to take off, land, and cruise in the dark. It is designed for stable, hands-off flying in very light, or no-wind conditions typical of the night.

Here is a picture of the Nite Stalker held by its co-designer, seven-year old Connor Claridge. The design starting point is loosely based on the original Stringless Wonder by Bill Hannan, but modified for RC by Connorand myself.

More pictures and flight video to follow!

CopyRight 2007 Anthony M. Claridge, PE, All Rights Reserved