The first time I have seen a picture of the voodoo express designed by Nat Penton, it was almost like an illumination. Indeed, I was trying to find by myself a new design for a pattern plane governed only by the performances (not by the look). Then, I realized that Nat has already imagined this plane many years ago. Moreover, I think that this design is perfect for an electric pattern plane since it can be easily builded very light. Therefore, after the end of the construction of a more classical pattern plane (the Graviton http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_90...tm.htm#9040604), I decided to start the construction of a second 2m pattern plane strongly inspired by the design of Nat's Voodoo express: the anti-graviton.

Construction of the Wing

The rib are made of 6 mm depron. I'm using a technique derived from the "laser method". Pieces of depron are placed to form a comb. Afterward, the ribs are cut with a CNC hot wire. This method is very nice because (i) the ribs are cut very precisely and (ii) the remaining part will form a support for the assembly and for the sheeting.



The first rib and the one situated at the extremity of the sheath are reenforced with 100g/m2 glass fabric and epoxy.



After the cutting, the ribs and the longerons are glued with alyphatic glue.



The sheeting is made with 1.5mm balsa. On the next picture, the sheets of balsa are sanded to obtain straight borders, assembled with tape and glued with alyphatic glue.



Stab construction

The stab and the rudder are made with foam sheeted with 1.5mm balsa. The two servos for the stab are placed inside the stab.











Rudder construction



If you are interested by this construction, I will continue to post some pictures and some explanations.