RC Plane Video Clips from Indoor Flying Model
Videos of indoor RC planes you can build and fly
The Robin prototype builds quickly and flies well
This video describes the initial work I did to create and build the prototype of the Robin, a four channel, 20 inch wingspan indoor electric RC airplane. The Robin was my first attempt at using a balsa profile fuselage with a flat wing section. The idea was to make a lightweight RC model airplane that could use the electronics and motor from the E-Flite micro 4-Site ready to fly foam biplane.
The Robin was a lot of fun to design. As shown in the RC plane video clip, the prototype was drawn with straight lines and no curves to speed construction. The wingspan was chosen for 20 inches, as the two winged 4-Site had a 16 inch span. Parameters rules shown here led to the rest of the Robin dimensions.
The Robin prototype built quickly and came in right at a one ounce weight (without the motor or electronics). The 4-Site’s components fit very well to the Robin, and test flights went off with no surprises. Now that the Robin flies, the next step is to draw up detailed plans, and add some character to the final design. TurboCAD makes this work a snap.
Final version of the Robin is inspired by the F-8 Bearcat and the F-4 Phantom
The final version of the Robin is discussed in this RC plane video clip. I decided to increase the wingspan by four inches and taper the ailerons and stabilizer for a sleeker appearance. I adapted the fuselage shape of the Grumman F-8 Bearcat and the tail outline of the F-4 Phantom onto the fuselage profile of the final version of the Robin. I think this came out very well, and with the added cockpit makes for a pleasing look.
With the inherent ease of precise design provided by TurboCAD, I did a much better job of installing the 4-Site’s motor to this version of the Robin. I also did other modifications such as putting the aileron servos under the wings to keep them out of sight. Little touches like the pilot photo in the cockpit and using file folder acetate for the canopy require little work but add a lot to the final model.
Get a set of Robin construction plans here. The e-mailed plans print out full size using Microsoft Word. The Robin can be built in a weekend, and makes for an ideal first plans-built RC model airplane.
Discussion of the steps required to design and build your own RC model airplane design
Above RC plane video clip is a discussion of how you can design your own RC model airplane. While I use the evolution of the Robin as a dialogue subject, the method applies to any size RC model plane.
The tasks for designing an RC plane are not hard once you decide to create a new airplane. First, sketch out an outline of your design. Next use this sketch to create a full size plan. The amount of detail is minimal as this stage. Build and fly a prototype. Make necessary changes, draw out a final set of plans, and construct your final version. Go ahead and give it a try!