RC India

RC Models => Electric Planes => Topic started by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:44:57 PM

Title: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:44:57 PM
Started building this a month ago and it is near completion.  This is my first full fuse build of a fighter series.
Bare model weight without electronics has come to around 300-330grams.  No hotglue was used on entire model, even while gluing cf. Entire model took around two to three small tubes of bondtite.
These will be the power setup

Either Emax 2846 2500kv inrunner motor on 3S or NTM series 1800kv with 4S
ESC: 60A ESC (skywing)
Battery: Nanotech 2200 3S or 4S
Prop: EMP 6x4
Servos: 3 Metal Gear Digital Servos.
Supposed to be my costliest setup till date.

Here are the build pics.
There were lots of pieces due to its nose and canopy section.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:47:52 PM
This plan has two lengths of fusalage glued together, here is the first half.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:49:42 PM
two halfs of fuse, and canopy
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:54:26 PM
canopy, nose and fuse assembled.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 03:57:41 PM
Fuse completed. Nose and canopy sanded.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 04:00:18 PM
For wing section, added kf2. Somehow plan insists on flat plate. But never I have flown a flat plate, so will be using kf2 here too.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 04:03:52 PM
Soldered extensions and checking the battery compartment. Used soldering iron to have holes in each compartment to route the wire till the end.
The wire extensions have become heavy, always a problem with long fuse pushers.. :banghead:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 04:05:56 PM
Painted and added the decals. Somehow couldn't get a smooth finish, will be using foam putty in my next build.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 04:08:56 PM
Yet to add the elevator controls, and servo for wings.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 23, 2011, 04:23:07 PM
Foamy..nice effort and excellent build..expecting a nice video...soon...have a nice flight...
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 05:11:33 PM
Thanks krishna, plan to maiden this next week.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Swapnil on July 23, 2011, 05:17:03 PM
Cool!  {:)}
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ujjwaana on July 23, 2011, 05:23:26 PM
Wow that looks like a hell of a build. When do you plan to maiden?
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on July 23, 2011, 06:28:18 PM
Nice build "Foamybuilder".

The coincidence with this is, I have been also building an F15 using same plan with few modifications.

I just made the symmetric airfoil shaped main wing with 3mm foam While the plan has a single sheet flat plate wing with sanded edges.
I am excited to know result of the modification made by you. I also don't prefer flat plates for myself.

Doubled the sheet thickness on elevator (stated as stabilator in plan) while the plan has a elevator made up of single 6mm sheet.
So, it needed two servos to be mounted for both the sides of elevator as they move independently now.

Then In the plan, the entire elevator moves up and down While I made a part as stationary (fixed on the fuselage using glue permanently) and fixed another part of it with hinges. The original method of mounting elevators was getting difficult for me.

I used magnet to attach the canopy to fuselage. What did you use? The original plan uses Velcro I guess.

I am also thinking of adding landing gears to it as I am bad at hand launching. Do you too?

Please post a maiden video for sure and I will start a build thread of mine soon.
Also please share the image or some reference of color scheme if you have any.......

Yours looking beautiful. Nicely built and all the very best for the maiden.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 23, 2011, 07:11:49 PM
great..efforts..my friends... :hatsoff: :hatsoff: :hatsoff:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on July 23, 2011, 07:21:49 PM
Me or Foamybuilder?   >:D
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 23, 2011, 07:43:47 PM
both of you Sumeet... :thumbsup: :hatsoff:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 23, 2011, 08:48:47 PM
sumeet , good to hear you too are building the same. What is the power setup you are planning.
Yah controlling elevators with separate elevators will give you tailerons effect. Then the ailerons on the wing become optional. You can also use them in conjunction with the taileron control surface, but again it will need totally four servos.
It is difficult to add landing gear for foam planes, even though we plan to reinforce things, when things go wrong it would destroy the plane. I like the belly landing the most as the force gets distributed equally even during hard landings. However I need to add some mod for the handlaunch around belly surface, similar to my f22. For canopy I will use velcro, somehow with magnets the canopy tends to pop off during landing when belly touches the ground hard.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 23, 2011, 08:54:47 PM
Foamy...cant we fix a nice landing gear on it..? :salute:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: sukrut on July 23, 2011, 11:50:05 PM
i am making a similar F-18 using steve's plans!

im having difficulty in mounting the elevators to the cf rod as it is with sumeet. so looks like its either an elevon or usual setup! :)

looking forward to the maiden! 
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: sundaram on July 23, 2011, 11:52:49 PM
fabulous build and fantastic colour scheme Ashok. Great job. Eagerly waiting for Video. {:)} {:)} {:)} :goodjob:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: rcpilotacro on July 24, 2011, 07:10:23 AM
Superb ashok. Goes well with ur handle name.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ashJR7202 on July 24, 2011, 08:34:36 AM
WOW  :thumbsup: :salute: :hatsoff:

It really looks beautiful!!!! now i am getting tempted to start building steve's Su37!!!!!

all the best!!!!

Ashish
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ashJR7202 on July 24, 2011, 08:35:30 AM
what are dimensions?????
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: satz flying on July 24, 2011, 08:40:47 AM
hmmmmmmmmmm nice
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: rohitgupta322 on July 24, 2011, 08:43:30 AM
Brilliant ashok bhaiya!
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on July 24, 2011, 11:14:04 AM
I haven't planned about power setup. Once I complete with the servos for flaperons and the wire extension and motor mount, I will calculate the empty weight and then accordingly decide what to use to power this beauty. By now, I only have decided that the maximum prop diameter I am going to use is 8". As on parkjets.com, they say In pusher jets, the prop. diameter should not be more than 33% of its wing span. It will help to reduce torque role effect.

My F15 has ~27" wingspan. So, can go with 9" at max.

The main reason for choosing 8" is to prevent the prop itself by colliding with ground during takeoffs.

Foamy! please share your flying experience using your power setup once you maiden it. If everything goes right, I will follow your power system.
Are you going to program it to have flaperons on your one?

Thanks.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 24, 2011, 11:35:33 AM
"the prop. diameter should not be more than 33% of its wing span. It will help to reduce torque role effect." ....Sumeet..thanks for the know how...have a nice build..
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 25, 2011, 02:34:58 PM
thanks guys.
sumeet,sukrut - yes the elevator assembly is a bit difficult. But I am going with the plans only to save addition of an extra servos as I already have the tailerons on f22. It was too difficult to make sure the two halfs wont touch the surface and have a seamless movement.
I will update the pics today.
roopeshkrishana - adding the landing gears may need either adding rudder or having a movable front wheel which would again require a servo.
The final weight (850 grams)  looks too heavy around 15 to 16oz/sqfeet. Probably painting is more heavier than taping.
Looks like mine is the heaviest in the forum builds!!. Have option for 4S setup. Lets see.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ashJR7202 on July 25, 2011, 02:54:12 PM
@ Sumeet,

for jets try to use prop with diameter 6", with higher kv motor this will give u better speed than bigger prop. also with bigger prop there are more chances that prop will hit ground and may eventually damage motor mount!!!

all the best
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 25, 2011, 03:32:57 PM
nice instruction Ash...
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:25:08 AM
Here are the updates.
Added cf rod.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:28:03 AM
finally decided to go with emax2846, mounted the motor.
Somehow Emax 2846 and NTM 35-36 1800kv, both weigh the same (130grams).
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:30:56 AM
And the best part.. Added elevator. and used props adapters as stoppers.
Used landing gear turning mechanism given by Sanjeev and it worked well.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:36:51 AM
Elevator servo in place.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:37:58 AM
Wing painted and ready.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 08:41:32 AM
Havent assembled the aileron servos, just placed the wings for a pic
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ashJR7202 on July 26, 2011, 10:55:05 AM
amazing, things r shappinh up nicly
All the best
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: VC on July 26, 2011, 10:59:59 AM
A lot of effort has gone into building this baby. I am so glad to see that you have taken care to ensure that she is a very good looking bird. All the best and fly safe!
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on July 26, 2011, 01:20:44 PM
nice finishing and mechanics....
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: sukrut on July 26, 2011, 02:29:06 PM
excellent build!! :)

hope to see it maiden soon! looking forward! do keep us posted! :)
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: PankajC on July 26, 2011, 03:19:50 PM
lovely build.... how did you do the decals?
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 26, 2011, 03:29:07 PM
Thanks vc, i will be very careful while flying this.
@Pankaj, its just a printout on plain sheet and then taped with clear tape.
You can take printout on decal label sheets which I dint have.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: PankajC on July 26, 2011, 04:56:11 PM
After having toiled so hard to carefully craft the bird and to get to the finishing stage, one of the toughest tasks is to overcome the anxiety of the maiden. All the best !!!
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: arunh on July 27, 2011, 10:14:07 AM
 {:)} awesome build.. good luck on maiden..
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on July 29, 2011, 03:07:52 PM
Checked static thrust with 6x4 prop,3S setup is around 620 grams with Emax 2846 2500kv motor.  ( I expected more though )
Final AUW has come to around 850 grams.
Wanted to have 1:1 thrust on this. May be next time  :(
Will update the max current draw and power loading today.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: rohitgupta322 on July 29, 2011, 04:08:19 PM
Wow brilliant Ashok bhaiya.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: PankajC on July 29, 2011, 09:05:11 PM
what is being used to check the static thrust?
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on August 01, 2011, 01:46:29 PM
Hello once again!

Once I thought to create a new build thread of My F15. but as this topic is about the same plane using same plan, why to create a new thread. So, I am posting the photos of my build here.

Dear Mr. Author(foamybuilder), Please forgive me if you wanted this build thread to be unique.   :bow:

Here it goes...

Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on August 01, 2011, 01:50:43 PM
First picture(26072011025) shows the spar inside the wing to provide a symmetric airfoil.

Electronic part is remaining to be configured. Will post more pics after I paint this beauty.

Thanks.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: PankajC on August 01, 2011, 02:02:12 PM
Well done sumeet!!! what are the specs?
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: foamybuilder on August 01, 2011, 02:14:52 PM
Thats great build sumeet.  {:)}
My plane has crashed and nose and half fuse part has come out. cf dint do the job somehow, due to the paint the glue had become loose.
Was a bit tail heavy, but it glided fine during glide test. Adarsh did the takeoff and i tookover after some circuits. It was very underpowered was at full throttle all the time. During landing it stalled out of control and crashed. This is my first painted plane and first unrepairable crash i can say. During the glide test, some part of elevator got damaged. The colored packaging tape which we use could have sustained this crash.
My suggestion to sumeet. Elevator is the first part which will get damaged, if you are not too much concerned about the look, do your decoration with packaging tape. It was tempting for me to use paint to make it good looking and dint worry much about its strength  :-\

Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: ritz on August 01, 2011, 08:09:30 PM
great effort sumit bro reallllly great effort 
thodi si hume bhi training de do
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: roopeshkrishna on August 02, 2011, 09:51:26 AM
its a nice build..
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on August 03, 2011, 01:36:10 PM
Thanks a Lot guys.

@ Foamybuilder
Really sorry about the crash...   :(

I will use the color packing tape. Full white on the upper fuselage and Something dark in the Bottom. I am nervous about its maiden. Last day I decided to go with a Turnigy Bell Motor "1600KV". With a 8" Propeller and 1300~1600mAh 3S Battery, It is expected to give about 750~800gms static thrust. The AUW is going to be around 600~650gms. So, Thrust to Weight ratio will be greater than 1:1, So It will go vertical as expected.

All the seniors here, Please share your experiences about Pusher jets.

Thanks.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: rcpilotacro on August 03, 2011, 04:31:05 PM
Decals can wait, getting thrust and the thrust line right is the key, 1:1.2 to 1:1.5 should be the min T/W ratio for such  a build. Even if u stall, power can recover you out of ground. With suffienct power she can do a good cobra & high alpha touchdown, provided you have the power. Skewed thrust line can spoil the model.
Caution about glide check. A powered airplane should go nose down, power off. It should glide at its design glide speed which is also called as Vimd (velocity indicated minimum drag) for a powered airplane one can't chuck at vimd because vimd is too high for you to chuck. So if your powered airplane is gliding well when you chuck ( for that matter an airplane which is slightly heavy and has higher wing loading, but without power system also this logic holds true) it, it means it is tail heavy. Period. If you launch such a plane she will be difficult to control and impossible to land. Unless ofcourse if you have the power come in high alpha with tail heavy config.
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: Sumeet on August 04, 2011, 10:39:24 AM
Thanks a lot sir....   :salute:
Title: Re: My new F15 complete build log (Steve's plan)
Post by: sameeroraut on June 21, 2012, 01:25:05 AM
mine will be ready by this month end  ;)