Episode 38 - Announcing the Nova

[Trent]

Episode 38 - Announcing the Nova

This week I'd like to announce the Nova - a scratch built RC airplane with a specific focus on carrying FPV and AP gear. This episode (while a little boring) details the design specifications and functions of the various sections of the airplane. A few key qualities/improvements over the GeekStar:

>Large interior (2.25in x 4.5in x 14in = 141 cubic inches, over 6 times larger than my GeekStar)
>Larger Tail Section (increased control for larger payload)
>Longer Tail Section (increase control authority over payload)
>Larger Control Surfaces
>Ailerons
>Taller fuselage to supper a 8x4 prop
>Reduced angle of incidence (to 3 degrees) of both motor and wing
>Top mounted wing (allow for various wing types/sizes)
>Large area directly under CG point for heavy gear
>Canopy covered with clear plastic to allow a good view for FPV gear while not reducing aerodynamics
>Tons of other small improvements in the build process for a stronger, lighter, higher quality build.

Equipment Used:
Motor: www.hobbypartz.com/75m42-optima450-2220-950kv.html
ESC: www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13429
Batt: www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6306
Servos: www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
Prop: www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=5437

Estimated Stats:
Weight: 26oz
Thrust: 21oz
Wing Area: 3.33 square feet
Wing Loading: 7.8 oz per sq ft

Will be building over the next 1 - 2 weeks...

I'll be posting these plans on MyGeekShow.com in a few weeks after it's maiden flight (I want to make sure I've got the CG point properly located, etc.).

What do you think? Anything I'm missing?

[kberockets]

Mhm, sounds good so far. The only thing i would add are flaperons, just in case the nova will fload forever and you need to paint it in red (neoncolor), so you can it better recognize in the sky.

Sebastian

[Trent]

Dec 3, 2011 8:34:09 GMT -6 kberockets said:

Mhm, sounds good so far. The only thing i would add are flaperons, just in case the nova will fload forever and you need to paint it in red (neoncolor), so you can it better recognize in the sky.

Sebastian

Excellent tips... the flaperons might be hard, I'm not sure if my radio does that but I may make separate flaps anyway... and an air brake! That would be pretty cool.

Yes, painting it will be important. That light blue color is like EXACTLY the same color as the sky! Not good...

[kberockets]

Trent its xmas, just asked Santa to get a new radio and a better video equipment.
Good luck with the build.