Comments

• Harry August 12, 2012 at 2:44pm

  Get well soon, Anwar!! 

  All I've managed to do is get my experiment to the point where it is testable and it failed.  It gets one more try and then I fall back to Ardupilot with IMU and fixed wing with proven code.  That was plan A anyway, but I got distracted by plan B.
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  Anwar Ali Khan August 12, 2012 at 1:39pm

  Hi all, sorry for being away. I am on bed rest since two weeks after felling down from the stairs at home. Complete recovery is expected in another two weeks.

  You all are doing a good job. Harry I think you have now completely resolved the code issue.

  Mike you are doing an excellent job. It is really impressive. What about using a carbon fiber rod at spar? Hope you will show us the improved version soon.

  I am now planning to start work on my airframe and will try something different this time.

  Wish you all the best.
• Moderator

  Brian August 11, 2012 at 4:00pm

  Doc,

  Hows the final coating going to be?  Just raw foam or coated with mono-coat type covering?  Do you like the fins or no fins?  I just realized that the pics below are without fins.  I would love to get one and am more than glad to provide shameless plug for your company!

  -bcd
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  Dr Mike Black August 10, 2012 at 1:05am

  Hi Guys,

  @ Harry, launching plate is 5mm Laser cut poplar ply, and although its heavy (by our standards) it floats off, so no issues. I think probably when 20Ah os on board and all the goodies, it might need a bungee as i dont realy wnat hands any where neary a 16" prop.(its only a 12" at the mo)

  @Brian, well i am now doing the updates to the solid model at teh moment, so that we can machine out a new fuse this weekend.

  I probably didnt mention it, but i own this manufacturing company, we are set up dedicated to making airframes and electronics, so, i have 3 Laser cutters, 2 CNC machines, 2 Vac forming machines, decal printer, vinyl cutter, adn a whole miriad of other stuff to basically design, make, test and manufacture aircraft (not just aircraft, but thats my passion)

  The photos of my workshops, is a guide to my convoluted mind, but its about 2500sqr feet of organised chaos.

  so basically if you want it, we can probably make it.

  (my last want is a 3D Printer..working on that now!)

  the X-10 was about 200 foot up when it went, my calcs were for the 2.2m version, using the 'Colin chapman' (Lotus F1 Cars) school of though, if it deosnt break then its too heavy, perhaps a little more engineering was required form day one!..lol

  Now that i have flown it a few times, and adjusted the CG, duration is not going to be a problem, the only issue is actually landing it..it needs spoilers if landing on a small space as it glides on...and on....and on....lol, also i intend to use this for another agency project so a parachute deployment system is now being done to be allowed under CAA rulings.

  So when the V2 of the aircraft is ready (next week), if you wanted one, im sure we can come to an agreement.

  And thanks guys for all the kind comments.
• Moderator

  Brian August 9, 2012 at 10:54pm

  Very Nice Doc, how do I get my hands on one of your prototypes? :)  How high were you when the spar broke?  It sure didn't take long for the plane to hit the ground.  

  It truly is awesome, it looks like it will be a great platform.  

  Where do you get you lite-ply laser cut?  I need to get some pieces cut for my project but always resort to manual cuts and sanding, sanding, sanding... I hate sanding!
• Harry August 9, 2012 at 7:20pm

  It's very sleek looking!  Does it have indents or something for hand launching?
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  Dr Mike Black August 9, 2012 at 12:03am

  Sorry guys the post are out of order so please read from the bottom up. posts 3 to 1

  (too many characters apparently)
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  Dr Mike Black August 9, 2012 at 12:00am

  With the proper application of 19mm tube and wingnuts on m4 bolts...she is now SWEEEEET

  last flight was with 10Ah on board AUW of 9lb but the wing loading is still down at 16oz sqr foot, so shes still a floater!

  Last night pics.

  Last steps is to cover with vinyl, and upsize the prop (a little small for the motor)

  well there it is guys, i am now happy with the design, and the updates have been applied to the manufacturing...so the MK2 is about to be done.

  there is chaps....thoughts?
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  Dr Mike Black August 9, 2012 at 12:00am

  Test flight proved, the airframe is absolutly superb, stable as and a glilde ratio of well over 40-1

  However, the fun bit!

  I did make a itty, bitty, little mistake on the engineering of the spars :)

  at high speed the port spar sheared clean off!

  Here is the video from on board.

  Even though the failure was catastrophic, teh airframe was not badly damaged..so..
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  Dr Mike Black August 8, 2012 at 11:59pm

  Hi Guys,

  
  Congrats Harry!, i knew your determination would  pay off!

  Well chaps......had head wedged firmly up backside this last week or so due to more boring work to be completed.

  However, it has been interesting on another level...

  X-10...having had a little 'Me time' as our ladies call it!

  Its built......