Large Model Association Forum

Hello. I'm building an experimental lifting body aircraft with two electric ducted fans. Hoping to fly it in a few weeks time. If this one works out okay, we'll build a bigger one with rocket propulsion. Currently we could do with some advice about the radio control as the vehicle has only two ailerons for attitude control. (See http://www.spacefleet.co.uk for the overall shape of the vehicle) The flyer we are building now will be about 1m long.

You may need to consider fitting a gyro unit for assistance in the stability. You can get these as part of radio systems as an additional plug in item. What radio have you looked at so far? Most systems now have almost invariable forms of mixing, exponential rates, etc right the way through to on board telemetry.
Cary

A most interesting project. At half a mill for a launch into LEO, this would seem to be a substantial project, I would advise you to look for a very experienced model flyer to be part of your firm, he will have the experience and skills that you seem to be missing. Its not, I'm afraid, a case of 'build a prototype and anyone can fly it....' You could save your firm much heartache and costs with the right person.

Ray, I would echo Bob's comments. Perhaps you may wish to visit Weston Supermare this weekend, there is a show on the beach. You could get chance to have a chat with people. Also on the last Sunday of October there is a static and trade show at Gaydon Motor Heritage Centre, this would be a good place to pick peoples brains and speak to some very experienced LMA members.
If you don't have much experience of flying models, Id suggest seeking the assistance of an experienced flyer. There are some legal restrictions on model aircraft weights and unmanned aircraft and some advice from some of the senior LMA members would be essential. Contacts can be found on the Over 20kg Scheme on the website.

Hi Ray, a few years ago I flew something similar in the shape of a 1/3 scale Facetmobile, an American homebuilt aircraft designed by Barnaby Wainfan, a NACA aerodynamicist and homebuilt aircraft engineer. Eventually it flew very well after the CofG, elevon and drag rudder movements were sorted out. Is the plan to stack the hulls together then for flight? Could they 'interfere' with one another and become inefficient?

Sounds interesting!

Ian.