Originally posted by Starfire
The UIUC "Chambana Belle" had her maiden flight today, and managed to leave the ground and return to it intact. Modifications are needed, however, as without the expert hands of Mik Cross on the sticks it probably wouldn't have managed the return.
The plane needs a bigger fin, and the extension is going in the bag tomorrow. After wobbling around the sky for a bit, it spun down and was recovered and landed by Mr. Cross (THANK YOU!!!!)
For those that weren't following the side discussion in the SAE Aerodesign thread, the Belle is a moldless composite aircraft. It is powered by a geared Astro 60 turning an 18X18 on 40 CP1300s. It has a wingspan of 8 feet and an overall length just shy of 4.
It is UIUC's entry into this year's AIAA Cessna/ONR Design/Build/Fly Competition: http://www.aae.uiuc.edu/aiaadbf/
Pictures will follow - must cut them down to size.
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UGOLEE!!!
Almost short enough to be a flying wing. But WAY too short! You better lock Mike onto that project, there's no one better!