While learning to fly indoors, I realized that any model, especially a trainer, has to be able to survive crashes without damage. Failing that, it has to be easy and cheap to repair.

Making everything stronger is not the solution. The wings, landing gear, and motor must be able to displace on impact. This softens the blow and dissipates energy that would otherwise break things.

You can see how this model is built to absorb impact. There's nothing new in this approach; many models have their wings and L.G. banded on.

Since landing gear doesn't break, and it's easy to bake up wing panels, the most important thing to preserve is the motor—specifically the re-drive.

As shown in the detail photos, the motor mount is held in place by rubber bands. Don't get the elastics too tight. You don't want them much more than tight enough to hold during normal use, since you want the assembly to give.

The sides in contact are faced with 220 grit sandpaper. Tip: cut out the middle of one strip so that there is no high centering. After a few crashes, the sandpaper will be worn out. Peel it off and replace it, using white glue.


Modifications & Performance Notes

The model's normal and emergency handling was not satisfactory in its original configuration; the rudder area and dihedral had to be increased to improve both. The motor was changed from an A-Drive to a B-Drive to moderate the throttle response.

The model flies fairly well now, and is suitable for learners. Check the alignment of the motor, and set trim to neutral during the pre take-off check.

• Download plan TOP
• Download plan SIDE
• Download plan FRONT
• Download plan ISOMETRIC
• Download WEIGHT & BALANCE

SEE IT FLY SHORT CLIP

WMV format 16 seconds; 838 K

mpeg format 16 seconds; 2.9 MB

EXTENDED CLIP

WMV format 1 min. 0 sec.; 2.8 MB

mpeg format 1 min. 0 sec.; 10.4 MB

OTHER CLIPS

A pan around the stationary aircraft, showing construction detail.

WMV format 9 sec.; 499 K

mpeg format 9 sec.; 1.6 MB