Mud Duck Aviation Forums

I 'm just starting my cricket fom plans.   I would like to order a motor,esc,servos, prop, etc .   Any suggestions on sizes?   Also I am going to increase each wing by 2 inches.   This shouldn't change the flight characteristics in a negative way.
                                                     Barry

Hi Barry,

  Increasing the wing size will not affect the flight characteristics in any no ticable fashion; it might be a tad more stable.  You can use just about any mini-servos you want.  I guess one major question is what material are using to build with (e.g. foamboard, FFF/BlueCor, Depron)?  If you go with foamboard the all up weight will be the highest.  The airframe will be very strong with foamboard, but this airframe is quite resilient with lighter materials and I would recommend going with a lighter foam unless the finish is very important to you.

  I am going to assume you are using FFF or Depron and suggest that you can use small servos like Hitek HS-55's or the like (shockflyer size). The motor can be any cheapy motor you may have laying around (e.g. brushed on a gearbox like those provided with most flat foamies, a small bell outrunner, etc.).  On a FFF version (with a 3" longer wingspan) we were using a cheap  $8 "bell" outrunner (e.g. Tower Pro 2408-21T-3) on an old used 15 amp ESC (could have used a 10 amp), using a 3s 1200mAh Lipo turning a 8 x 6 electric prop and had way more than enough power and 20 minute flight times.

  I would also recommend (if you have two spare servos to use) leaving out the dihedral and "reflex" and just cut "barn door" ailerons into the wing.  Double side tape the servos under the wing and use a simple strait pushrod linkage.  You will be able to get barrel rolls out out of it, fly quick when you want to and slow her down to a walking pace when you want.

  With about an 5-8mph headwind, I cut the power and let the prop "windmill" from an altitude of about 25-30 ft and just held up elevator and she made a slow, stable, controlled descent vertically.  I probably could just let it land like that but I always give it a tiny burst of power to stop the vertical drop at around a foot off the ground.  She will pull a foot or two forward and and set down just like that.  

  Shoot me an email at mudduck@optonline.net if you want a drawing that roughly outlines the aileron cutouts.

Greg

Thanks for your input Greg.  I'm not use to such a quick reply.   I have already purchased foamboard.   I looked around for the blue foam but couldn't find any at Lowe's or Home Deport.  I will call a few local lumber yards and ask around.   Yes, I would love the info on the ailerons.  Thanks Barry

Here is a link to the material (fanfold {FFF=Fan Fold Foam})at:

Home Depot: http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Insulation-Sheathings/h_d1/N-5yc1vZ1xgfZbaxx/R-100320360/h_d2/ProductDisplay?langId=-1&storeId=10051&catalogId=10053

I think this is Lowes version: although the dimensions are off: http://www.lowes.com/pd_304092-210-304092.0_4294858106_4294937087?productId=3122451&pl=1&currentURL=/pl_Insulated%2BSheathing_4294858106_4294937087_?No=15

You could build about 20 CricKits with a block of this stuff.  I recommend getting oin touch with some of your flying buddies and seeing if they have a sheet or two they can spare or sell (you only need about $2 worth).

I have to scan a drawing for the ailerons.  I won't have the opportunity until tomorrow though.

Greg