This RC Airplane project has started and stopped a couple of times, with the focus shifting to the Indoor Free Flight Venture as preparation occurs for a Youth Indoor Fun Fly tentatively scheduled for the end of January 2019, or February 2019. Time to return to the project with the goal of flying this RC Sailplane / RC Glider very soon!
The Specification for the Spectra Great Planes 2M RC Sailplane:
- Wing Span = 78.5 in (1995mm)
- Area of Wing = 675 in² (43.6 dm²)
- Span of Wing = 78.5 in (1995 mm)
- Loading @ Wing = 10.2 oz/ft² (31 g/dm²)
- Goal Weight = 48 oz (1360g)
- Length = 41.5 in (1055mm)
Fin, Rudder and Stabilizer built up. Rough and Final sanding will occur when all model pieces are assembled and prior to assembly and covering.
RC Glider / RC Sailplane: Stabilizer
Wing Build-Up
Wing Build. The most fun of any rc airplane build! The build-up of the two halves is nearing completion. This wing can be assembled, per drawing, two different ways:
- Single Wing Assembly
- Split Wing Assembly
Decision was made to build a Single Wing with one modification not on the plans. This kit is a 3-channel design (throttle, elevator, rudder). The plans do not have an option for Ailerons, however for this RC Sailplane /RC Glider, ailerons will be added for increased maneuverability. Therefore, an evaluation will need to occur to determine how to add the extra servo, and get the wires easily to the receiver and ESC setup for this flyer. Because of this extra step, the fuselage assembly will commence so final electronics can be determined and purchased. Will return to the wing after an understanding what Aileron Servo is going to be used. Here is the where we left off on the wing.
Fuselage and Rough-Fit
Fuselage frame out complete with all formers squared up and glued in. Because this is the point in a ‘large kit’ a lot of different assemblies are built, it is always nice to get a feel for the model’s size when complete. As you can see from Rough-Fit photo of this future rc airplane below, this RC Sailplane / RC Glider is going to be a beauty!
With the rough-fit complete, the bench was completely de-cluttered and cleaned up and it is time to return to this RC Sailplane.
Going Off Script for this RC Airplane
It is decision time with our Spectra RC Sailplane / RC Glider. We know it will get modified to include ailerons, as it is an old-school Rudder / Elevator only flying model. We want more control of this RC Airplane because we secretly want to take it to the beach and attempt to do some slope flying off the coastal winds with it in the Spring / Summer. (no promises on success!)
The decision to add spoilers is the one we have been wrestling with AND, have decided not to. The thought was, if we upgraded the electric motor package, we could do some serious thermal seeking, and what happens if we catch one and almost loose the RC Glider? It is a risk, but the desire to cut up more of the original wing isn’t there, so NO SPOILERS. Time to order the extra hardware needed and get to cutting ailerons!
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