I didn't realise you couldn't edit posts, as I moved the Flickr images they are no longer available so thought I'd post this again so the images are on the thread. Let me know if you can edit previous posts I may have missed the option.
The project should move quite swiftly now as we hope to get a basic prototype complete for May. This can be evaluated here in the UK ready to send abroad for flight testing although we are still in talks with the appropriate aviation authorities as this model breaks almost every rule in the book in most countries. I consider myself lucky to have such a good large model scene here in the UK. This is run by the LMA on behalf of the CAA which allows us to do almost anything with the correct oversight, inspections and flight tests. So a quick thank you to everyone involved in the LMA.
With phase 1 & 2 completed on schedule we can now move forward with the composite design. The next few months won’t actually see anything physical being built except the tooling. The time will be spent in CAD designing the internal structures, ski mechanisms and lay up designs etc… To facilitate this we are in the process of having the pattern scanned using blue light technology. There are many advantages to this that justify the significant expense of the process especially considering the resolution required to capture every rivet and panel deformation in the pattern.
Ordinarily on a project like this you would start with a CAD model, CNC the pattern and take the tooling from this. We don’t have the luxury of a CAD model which is where the scanning comes in. With the scan data we can accurately design all the internal structure but not only this we can now accurately determine the weight of the model before its built. This will significantly speed up the design process as weight it critical in determining how the model presents on the water. CG, ballast tanks, component position and many other areas of uncertainty can be designed in from the outset. Undoubtedly there will be changes in the design as there nearly always is but this allows us to get much closer to a finished model first time out.
The team at PES Scanning gave me a quick work flow run through of how they will scan the pattern along with a short demonstration starting with the photogrammetry. The scanning team have been very helpful through the whole process and I’m looking forward to seeing the results.
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Alex Jones, on Flickr
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Alex Jones, on Flickr
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Alex Jones, on Flickr