A/C Sizing Help
10-17-2006 | 06:27 AM
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A/C Sizing Help
Hi Everyone,
I plan to build an electric powered aircraft from scratch together with the help of some friends.
The aircraft must be able to carry a payload consisting of 6"x6"x6" box weighing approximately 3lbs and also a softball.
The aircraft is not required to exhibit any aerobatic capabilities and must have a wingspan no greater than 6.5 feet.
Any advice on where and how I can start sizing the aircraft regarding how big a wing area, tail volume, fin volume, control surfaces sizes, engine size, airframe mass, airfoil type etc.
I wish to build a database of similar sized models.
Any help appreciated
Kifi.
I plan to build an electric powered aircraft from scratch together with the help of some friends.
The aircraft must be able to carry a payload consisting of 6"x6"x6" box weighing approximately 3lbs and also a softball.
The aircraft is not required to exhibit any aerobatic capabilities and must have a wingspan no greater than 6.5 feet.
Any advice on where and how I can start sizing the aircraft regarding how big a wing area, tail volume, fin volume, control surfaces sizes, engine size, airframe mass, airfoil type etc.
I wish to build a database of similar sized models.
Any help appreciated
Kifi.
10-17-2006 | 02:53 PM
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From: St. Catharines,
ON, CANADA
RE: A/C Sizing Help
just about any trainer with a 46 could do that...
but, you want to use the greatest span that they will allow, so that aspect ratio is a maximum for whatever wing area you choose. Induced drag caused by low aspect ratios will hurt climb performance or the ability to lift weight.
but, you want to use the greatest span that they will allow, so that aspect ratio is a maximum for whatever wing area you choose. Induced drag caused by low aspect ratios will hurt climb performance or the ability to lift weight.
10-17-2006 | 03:08 PM
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RE: A/C Sizing Help
I bet this is for the SAE electric class. They held it at my club last year. Lots of hard landings, crash's, and a few folded wings. I think the ones with canards or lifting tail surfaces, though none of those won. Too many other factors, such as wing or other parts of aircraft design, piloting skills, and wind went into wininng or losing. Before competing be sure to train in a overweight trainer. I would suggest a SPAD or the Aircore trainer as they take a lot of punishment and are already a bit overweight.
10-18-2006 | 09:43 AM
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RE: A/C Sizing Help
Thanks Guys...
Some more Info-
1.The Motors may be any commercial brush or brushless electric motor.
2. Motors and batteries will be limited to a maximum of 40 Amp current draw by means of a 40 Amp fuse (per motor or battery pack) in the line from the positive battery terminal to the motor controller.
3.Must use over the counter NiCad or NiMH batteries.
It is also very important to keep the weight of the aircraft structure very low. Points will be deducted the heavier the model.
it is not really a weightlifting contest. A report must be submitted that shows how the aircraft was engineered and most of the marks go toward this.
Some more Info-
1.The Motors may be any commercial brush or brushless electric motor.
2. Motors and batteries will be limited to a maximum of 40 Amp current draw by means of a 40 Amp fuse (per motor or battery pack) in the line from the positive battery terminal to the motor controller.
3.Must use over the counter NiCad or NiMH batteries.
It is also very important to keep the weight of the aircraft structure very low. Points will be deducted the heavier the model.
it is not really a weightlifting contest. A report must be submitted that shows how the aircraft was engineered and most of the marks go toward this.
