68% Challenger 2 Biplane

[robbieskipton]

On the 2nd September 2013 i received my first lot of wood from none other than slec uk.

After only 1 Month in design, We have been busy cutting, Gluing and generally making mess to achieve all needed parts to make my new aircraft for the 2014 Season ( Which will be here sooner than we think!)

So here goes to the new build thread on this model.

Lets start of with the general specs

Wing Span - 3.68m (144 Inchs)
Length :- 3.96m (156 Inchs)
Servos - 4 x Jr 8911 On Rudder - 3 x Spectrum A6030 per elevator side ( 6 In Total)
8 x Spectrum A6030 for ailerons
Engine - 3W 342ts
Prop - 42 X 10
AUW (Anticipated 85 - 90 LBS RTF)

[robbieskipton]

After 4 Days, we had the elevators, Stabs, Rudder and fin completed including Servo Hatches.

As the Tails are all flat ( No Aerofoil) This mate the assemble simple.

The center part of the surfaces are made from 6mm Light Ply, then sheeted over with 25.4 x 12.5 Balsa Strio

[robbieskipton]

On To the bottom wings.

Simple Standard construction with 2 Main Spars.
both bottom wings took almost 2 Weeks to complete, including ailerons, Glassing main spar and rear spar.

Total Weight For each wing is a very light 6lbs including ailerons

[robbieskipton]

So on to top wings and ailerons:)

same construction as bottom wings but slightly bigger

[robbieskipton]

So Now the more fun Bits
The interplain Struts

As we had to build interplane Struts before putting on body ( As we have not got the steel work for center section) We had to make jigs to make sure the wings were perfectly aligned with no incidence, Then Build up the interplanes to suit.

Over the total Length of the wings, were not perfect, but within 2mm Is not bad

[robbieskipton]

So... On To the next bit

The Fuselage.......

As most know, a Biplane fuselage is practically empty space with a bit of shape.

All the fuselage is build from the center up, So we made a start!

In total 2 days to complete up to this stage

[robbieskipton]

So now not 8 Weeks since we began the build, we have had the first inspection from no other than MR HOOPER ( Today 29/10/2013)!

we now have permission to finish the build up to point of covering

So how we looking on weight..

Wings - 24 Lbs
Tails, Rudder and Stabs - 7lbs
Engine Box - 3Lbs
Interplain Struts - 2Lbs
Fuselage - 16Lbs

Total Weight - 52LBS


So with the Sheeting for fuselage will get the weight of fuselage up to 18LBS!
Engine, and electronics Undercarrage weighs in at 33LBS

So Total Weight is well within out original estimates at 87LBS RTF.

More Pics to come tomorrow (30/10/2013)

[stewart clifford]

Looks very well thought out, good stuff Robbie.

[robbieskipton]

Well thought i would post another set of pics of what we have been whittling..

We have had a good few days on her so far, most of the graphics are now on the plane, then on to install on 80 Meters of cable, powerbox, tanks and receivers.......

i will put a roundel on it somewhere... Maybe inside instead of the smiley man as previously seen on the Yak 54

[James Stewart]

Nice one Robbie, whats that sticking out the top of the cowling?

[robbieskipton]

its the intake manifold

[DAVE JOHNSON]

Robbie--that scheme looks superb--really looking forward to seeing this one at this years shows---

[Dave Parry]

Ooh! To be so talented and young as well, well done Rob, can’t wait to see it being put though the Robbie routine.