This week I did some general flight testing of the Nova to confirm it’s CG location and to determine it’s general flight efficiency.
It consumed more amp-hours than the GeekStar did, however after further consideration I believe measuring efficiency “per hour” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Instead, a “amp hours per mile” would be more appropriate. In this case, I think the Nova would win out as it’s cruising speed at half throttle is easily 2 or 3 times faster than the GeekStar with the same throttle setting. More testing is indicated.
Equipment Used:
Motor: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m42-optima450-2220-950kv.html
ESC: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13429
Batt: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6306
Servos: http://www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
Prop: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=5437
Stats:
Weight: 32 oz
Thrust: 21 oz
Wing Area: 3.33 square feet
Wing Loading: 5.3 oz per sq ft
Make sure to visit the forum on http://www.mygeekshow.com/forum to get additional details about the airplane and episode.
It consumed more amp-hours than the GeekStar did, however after further consideration I believe measuring efficiency “per hour” doesn’t make a whole lot of sense. Instead, a “amp hours per mile” would be more appropriate. In this case, I think the Nova would win out as it’s cruising speed at half throttle is easily 2 or 3 times faster than the GeekStar with the same throttle setting. More testing is indicated.
Equipment Used:
Motor: http://www.hobbypartz.com/75m42-optima450-2220-950kv.html
ESC: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=13429
Batt: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=6306
Servos: http://www.hobbypartz.com/topromisesg9.html
Prop: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idproduct=5437
Stats:
Weight: 32 oz
Thrust: 21 oz
Wing Area: 3.33 square feet
Wing Loading: 5.3 oz per sq ft
Make sure to visit the forum on http://www.mygeekshow.com/forum to get additional details about the airplane and episode.
Comments
http://www.worldofkrauss.com/foils/483
You mentioned the angle of incidence of your wing during this episode as part of your speed and endurance characteristic. I would agree with your conclusion. If I recall, you are using a clark y airfoil. According to the above link, the max lift/drag is at 7 degrees for a clark y. It may be very easy for you to adjust this with a foam wedge under the wing, so it might be worth a shot if you are looking to slow the plane and increase flight time.
Congrats on your success!