Has anyone modified the Great Planes Escapade 40 for flaps? I was thinking about getting one and modifying the kit for "in wing" servos for the ailerons and it looks like it could easily be modified for flaps as well. How much of the aileron should be used for the flaps? (20% - 30% of the total length on each side)

I have a .46 brushless outrunner with 4 cells or two 3 cells that should provide plenty of power.

Comments and suggestions are welcome.<br type="_moz" />

Sure you could modify the wing for flaps, but personally I really wouldn't worry about it. I've had several of the Escapades and they really have no problems slowing down for a smooth landing without flaps. IMHO it's really more work than it's worth to try and modify the plane for flaps.<div>
</div><div>Hope this helps</div><div>
</div><div>Ken</div>

I built a Contender this spring and it sure doesn't need the center flap either, but it's a blast to have. Just last week I was making pass after pass straight down the runway, gear retracted, two to three feet off the ground at a snails pace. It's worth the effort if you want to have something to play with. Plus it will teach you about flaps for future models that need them.

I have an Escapade 40 that I mixed in flaparions instead of adding flaps. The plane was fun to begin with this just added to it. It makes landings real slow and easy. It makes some of the manauvers really awesome to do. I dont have alot mixed in. I have them on a 3 way switch, first throw is off, second is 10% and third is 15%.

Welcome to RCU ATL-Rick!!

Consider that it is not as easy as splitting the ailerons.

You could do so at about half of the aileron's length; however, you will need to compensate for the area that will be subtracted from the ailerons, or the roll capability will suffer.

Hence, you will need to replace each aileron for one with double chord.

The flaps will have chords similar to the ailerons and could be controlled by the central servo via the original torque rods.

By doing all that, the area and lift of the wing would be increased in around 12%.
Because of that and because flap deflection usually results in nose down or up pitch, the elevator surface may need to be increased as well.

This article explains much about flaps:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flap_(aircraft)

Thanks Ken.

That is something to consider. I have two smaller type GWS powered electrics where I have flapperons installed on it. I didn't see that much difference when I engaged the flaps though.

Thanks,

Thank you. Glad to be a part of RCU.

Thank you also for the Wikipedia link and for taking time to mark up the attachment. Any thoughts on flaperons instead of flaps?

They scared you out of flaps pretty easy. Too bad, I'm sure it would have been fun. Depending on your radio you could have set the flaps up to work with the ailerons for normal flight, then act as flaps with a switch.

I have the Escapade 40 - been flying it for 3 seasons. It would be easy to modify it for flaps. Make the outside 2/3rds of the current aileron the new aileron and use the in wing servo positions to hold the servos. Use the inside 1/3rd for the flap and use the existing torque rod and center servo mount for the flap servo. Should be fun.

Living in Buford, do you fly out at the GMA field? That is were I am.

Bruce

Thanks Bruce,

I like the idea of flaps for landing and taking off, but otherwise using them as part of the aileron. I have a Spectrum DX8 that i picked up in the spring and I'm really happy with it. With all of the programming capability it should be able to do that, don't you think? Any suggestions on how to program it in?

I fly at a couple of rogue fields. There is one north of Gainesville. Good group of local guys there. GMA has a waiting list, $200 membership dues and is about 60 miles from the house. Winder is a little closer but I want to get some more flying in before joining a local club.

Rick C.

BTW - Very nice plane Ken.

I also have an Escapade and mixed flaperons in it but I can guaranty you this plane does NOT have the need for any flaps. She will land flat and true just the way she comes out of the box. It is one of the most well behaved planes I fly.

The color scheme on that Contender is really wild; I like it. I am sure you have no trouble seeing it.

How do you program the Spektrum DX8 to let you use the flaps/ailerons together as part of the switch function?

I don't understand how they are "normally" in sync with the aileron servos, and then when you throw the switch the flaps work independent of the two aileron servos?

Please explain how I can do that.

Thanks again,

Rick

You are welcome.

There is some controversy around flaperons; I don't like them myself.
If a little strip flap of 1/8 chord would be effective enough, why airplane designers would make bigger flaps?......or why they wouldn't extend flaps to the entire span?

Read more in the attachment and here:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_98...tm.htm#9846889

the reason they can work is because you have two wing servos. you cannot do it with just one. if you read the book it will tell you how to set up flaperons. it ain't hard to do. it just uses the air, servos to act as flaps,yet can act as ailerons at the same time. sort of like, elevons work..............RON

If you decide to physically split the ailerons for separate flaps, you will have to watch out for the hinges. I believe there won't be enough hinges for each flap. Since the ailerons come already installed in the Escapade, you will have to slice the exisiting hinges and add new ones.