Fun Scale Fanjet (oz16725)

About this Plan

Fun Scale Fanjet. Radio control profile scale model for electric with GWS EDF 50 unit. Wingspan 24 in.

Quote: "Forty-eight hours after I received my GWS EDF 50 micro fan unit, it was powering an indoor RC aircraft! The model was originally a prop-driven 'racer' that used the same preformed Depron wing as was used on the White Baron biplane (see the June 2001 RC MicroFlight). This first success led to a simple, purpose-built jet using the same wing and sub-micro gear. This model has an excellent performance indoors on a 6-cell, 120mAh Sanyo pack. This is not surprising, as the GWS unit has a power output of around 23 watts and 2.6 ounces (73 grams) of thrust.

From experience with these two models, I decided to use the same wing again, but this time, I designed a more scale model. Having seen the full-size FanJet in flight and having previously built a glow-powered model version, I was attracted to the design for the GWS unit. I designed and built the model around the wing and the fan unit, and I tried to keep it both simple and adaptable.

Something to remember with any ducted-fan power system is that flight duration is usually on the low side. When flown like jets, my 'big' electric ducted-fan models have flights of only 4 to 6 minutes. These micro units may be consuming only 2 to 3 amps, but that’s still a lot for the size of the cells that have to be used.

This model is inexpensive, easy to build and will give you an aircraft that can be modified. For example, the Depron wing could easily be enlarged to use a power pack of larger capacity, and the battery area is also simple to alter. Mine has already been reshaped five times!

Getting started: Two preformed Depron wings are required, and these are available from Takeoff 2000. The 18-inch-long wing panels are 3/64-inch-thick, heat-pressed foam and were originally designed for rubber-powered models. A package of six costs $6. The wings have to be cut and joined to increase the span to 24 inches (610mm). First, cut away the excess foam on both wings, leaving the turned-down tips. Then cut a right tip off one wing and a left tip off the other at the dihedral point. Cut a 1/2-inch-wide strip off the inner cut edges of each of the spare tips.

Join the wing in the center with epoxy, and use these strips above and below to strengthen the joint. To stiffen the wing, it is essential to epoxy a length of approximately 15mm-diameter carbon-fiber rod to the leading edge. This can be taped into place while the glue dries (leave the tape on). The rod runs across the straight leading edge and does not extend up to the wingtips.

The wing should now be nice and stiff along the leading edge. Without this reinforcement, there is a danger of the wings folding during high-G maneuvers. I know this for a fact!

Building the fuselage: There is not a lot to do here, but you will need your RC gear handy. I used a GWS receiver with two Hitec HS-50 9-gram servos and a GWS 8A ESC. Cut the central profile core out of medium 1/8-inch-thick balsa and the two sides out of 1/6-inch firm balsa. Now cut the wing slot and the openings for the servos and receiver in the 1/8-inch-thick center core. These can be moved and altered to suit your gear. Make sure that the receiver cutout allows your servo wires to reach the receiver (some servos have very short wires). I cut my openings so that the servos were a tight fit, and I therefore did not need to glue them into place. Don’t cut out the battery area yet; you’ll want to position it for the correct CG..."

Direct submission to Outerzone.

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