(Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
08-20-2007, 08:45 PM
#151
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
I agree that the prototype looks good. I wasn't trying to bash it. Better builders than I will probably have no problems. I also haven't seen it fully finished yet, it may (and probably will) be worth the effort when I finally get it done....
couple of pics attached, but I probably won't get a chane to work on it for several more weeks...life just keeps getting in the way....
couple of pics attached, but I probably won't get a chane to work on it for several more weeks...life just keeps getting in the way....
08-20-2007, 11:29 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
You got me thinking that maybe simple like a dust should be the norm. An option to clean things up for those that want to take the time. I haven't seen the pictures yet but there is a Demon Hybrid RTF in Florida with a maiden coming up soon. It has the raised equipment compartment but a nose like a Dust. Maybe quick and simple is what most people want. The current kit can go either way but the manual does not promote the simple route. Will post pics when I get them.
08-21-2007, 12:21 AM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Mine is ready for covering or at least I think it is. I put my radio hatch on the bottom and will probably not do the cowl until after it flies. It is still much cleaner than the dust with the nose ring and spinner nicer leading edge should be a mover. With all the equipment but no covering it is weighing in at 2 lbs 12 oz. I also skipped the glass except at the fin supports. The airframe feels as strong as a dust if it blows apart inflight Mike you can blame me I just don't think it needs it, so I saved the weight. I did put a little goop where the ribs meet the leading egde.
08-21-2007, 10:47 AM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
That looks good and I like the way you rounded the wing tips. You should end up with a wing loading of under 15 oz sq ft and that should work well. The glass probably is not necessary if the leading edge sheeting mates well. My biggest concern was the leading edge at the #1 rib but it sounds like you took care of that. I use the wing tips as handles so a sliver of glass at the joint is piece of mind. Can't wait to see it covered. Should be one fast Delta.
Edit - Does it look like it will balance without extra weight and where is the battery pack?
Edit - Does it look like it will balance without extra weight and where is the battery pack?
08-29-2007, 07:43 PM
#156
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Mike,
Haven't started gluing it up yet but working on some design considerations....
1. power required has been determined to be in the 1.5 to 2 Kw range for the electric version.
2. prop will have to be somewhere in the 14-16 pitch range, not sure of the size, I need to decide on motor first.
3. a123 cells will be used instead of Li-pols.
4. A modified LT-40 will be used as a mother ship for launch (powered by a .6) or .70 2 stroke) (for the lt 40).
5. Fins will be composite materials instead of balsa due to the speed range.
6. Main fuse/duct will be molded composite, need to reduce weight add some strength.
7. top speed target is 200mph +
Haven't started gluing it up yet but working on some design considerations....
1. power required has been determined to be in the 1.5 to 2 Kw range for the electric version.
2. prop will have to be somewhere in the 14-16 pitch range, not sure of the size, I need to decide on motor first.
3. a123 cells will be used instead of Li-pols.
4. A modified LT-40 will be used as a mother ship for launch (powered by a .6) or .70 2 stroke) (for the lt 40).
5. Fins will be composite materials instead of balsa due to the speed range.
6. Main fuse/duct will be molded composite, need to reduce weight add some strength.
7. top speed target is 200mph +
08-29-2007, 10:14 PM
#157
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
ORIGINAL: iron eagel
Mike,
Haven't started gluing it up yet but working on some design considerations....
7. top speed target is 200mph +
Mike,
Haven't started gluing it up yet but working on some design considerations....
7. top speed target is 200mph +
Chop-chop, times a wasting and winter will be here before you know it.
The first one to produce a video and convince half the people in this forum they have broken 200 mph with a Demon will get the kit price refunded. Even if it is part Hybrid.
Are you still putting rudders on yours? If so I would think that drop away gear or hand launch would be better and less work then a launch ship. I have finished designing and building landing gear parts for my next prototype. I am thinking gear, rudders and a less clean flat look like a Dust. If you don't secure the gear they will just fall away at lift off. Hope to start this project in the next few days.
08-29-2007, 11:33 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Mike,
I am still thinking about using rudders, the weight gain is one servo and linkage.
Now for the reason for the mothership is twofold. First I am not going to use landing gear or retracts because of weight and drag. Second I don't want to burn up power taking off and given the amount of power heat is going to be an issue, the motor esc and batteries are going to be getting hot, and at these power levels even the wires are going to get hot. As the conductors and electronics get warmer you lose power to the prop.
So my thought was it worked for the X-15 so why not try it with the delta, cart it up to altitude release and then make the run. The only power burnt by the delta at this point is the idle current of the esc and servos the mother ship provides the power for takeoff and climb.
Now the hard part is to come up with the ESC, Motor and battery combo. To rough out the power, we are talking about 100 amps at 20 volts, or say 50 amps at 40 volts, that will give you 2 kw of power.
Now the Phoenix HV-110 would work for an esc it can handle 110 amps at 50 volts but the price is very stiff! So the Phoenix HV-45 will probably be the choice still not cheap but closer to something I might be able to do at $160.00.
Now for the hard part, the motor even the highest rated axi can only take around 40 volts at 60 amps for a short time but way too much weight. So I am still looking
I am still thinking about using rudders, the weight gain is one servo and linkage.
Now for the reason for the mothership is twofold. First I am not going to use landing gear or retracts because of weight and drag. Second I don't want to burn up power taking off and given the amount of power heat is going to be an issue, the motor esc and batteries are going to be getting hot, and at these power levels even the wires are going to get hot. As the conductors and electronics get warmer you lose power to the prop.
So my thought was it worked for the X-15 so why not try it with the delta, cart it up to altitude release and then make the run. The only power burnt by the delta at this point is the idle current of the esc and servos the mother ship provides the power for takeoff and climb.
Now the hard part is to come up with the ESC, Motor and battery combo. To rough out the power, we are talking about 100 amps at 20 volts, or say 50 amps at 40 volts, that will give you 2 kw of power.
Now the Phoenix HV-110 would work for an esc it can handle 110 amps at 50 volts but the price is very stiff! So the Phoenix HV-45 will probably be the choice still not cheap but closer to something I might be able to do at $160.00.
Now for the hard part, the motor even the highest rated axi can only take around 40 volts at 60 amps for a short time but way too much weight. So I am still looking
08-30-2007, 01:01 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
The Axi is a great line of motors but maybe not the right piece of equipment for a 200+mph goal. I'd look at a Neu Motor if you're willing to spring for a big Axi.
08-30-2007, 10:49 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Fired up the irons and dug into my box of ultracote tonight and this is what I came up with. pushrods and glueing in the fins are about all that is left to do.
08-31-2007, 10:16 AM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
I like it. Would it be premature to ask if you have an idea of a maiden date? Also curious about a RTF weight when you get to that point.
08-31-2007, 07:05 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Hey thanks guys glad you like it, sorry about the pictures though I think something in my software got screwed we had a virus a few months back got rid of it but ever since all my pictures come out small no matter what setting my camera is on haven't been able to find the problem yet but it did work fine at one time. I should probably delete it and reload just haven't got around to it yet. I have to leave on a trip wednesday would love to maiden before then but I dont think it will happen so it will be the following week probably. I will get the fins glued in tonight I hope and just hope to get it all set up and run it before I have to go to work so when I get home it will be ready.
09-04-2007, 01:03 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
It's done ready to fly but it won't happen until next week. Final weight is 3 pounds even, I used HS5625s instead of the smaller servos Mike used which added a little weight. Balanced perfect with battery in back between the fins should be a good flyer.
09-04-2007, 07:36 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
I had a chance to take it out and run it tonight, and everthing is good. The 60LX was hitting 20K with a 8 3/4X9W, all controls work with no interference at full power should be good to go. I cant wait to put it in the air unfortunately I have to leave in the morning for a week so weather permitting next wednesday should be the day for the maiden.
09-04-2007, 08:43 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
A theoretical speed of 170 mph and 7 lbs of thrust. I have faith in the pilot, the build and the airframe but still a little nervous. Strange, because it didn't bother me a bit to put my own in the air the first time.
09-04-2007, 11:47 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Mike, a fellow pilot at my local field picked one of your kits up and I'm excited to take a closer look. I need something noisy to go with the over powered Shrikes at my field... He's gonna use an old Webra Q500 motor.
09-05-2007, 12:34 AM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Troy,
It must be Mr. Parks from Carlsbad. The only kit I sold on the West Coast so far. Does your local field have grass? That dry lake bed would be hard on a Delta like mine. I am about half way through with a fun fly version of my plane. It will have landing gear (tail dragger), dual rudders and will be flat and less clean like a dust. Should be able to preview it before long. At this point it looks pretty good.
09-05-2007, 03:18 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
Just caught up on this thread, great job Mike. Did you have CAD knowledge before you started this, or did you learn on the go?
09-05-2007, 04:00 PM
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RE: (Something Fast?) Delta Build Thread
ORIGINAL: Mike Connor
Troy,
It must be Mr. Parks from Carlsbad. The only kit I sold on the West Coast so far. Does your local field have grass? That dry lake bed would be hard on a Delta like mine. I am about half way through with a fun fly version of my plane. It will have landing gear (tail dragger), dual rudders and will be flat and less clean like a dust. Should be able to preview it before long. At this point it looks pretty good.
Troy,
It must be Mr. Parks from Carlsbad. The only kit I sold on the West Coast so far. Does your local field have grass? That dry lake bed would be hard on a Delta like mine. I am about half way through with a fun fly version of my plane. It will have landing gear (tail dragger), dual rudders and will be flat and less clean like a dust. Should be able to preview it before long. At this point it looks pretty good.
