Much thanks. Had a proper maiden flight today and wow I'm hooked. It flies beautifully and glides well with motor shut down. It handled 8 mph winds very well also. I thought the winds might cause a crash but flew and landed like a dream. Thanks for the design and the assistance.
Dude...I'm halfway through this and I'm sold. YOU ARE A FREAKIN' GENIUS! This reminds me of my SPAD days (Simple Plastic Airplane Design) where people were using gutter pipe for fuses and coroplast (basically plastic cardboard) for wings. You are an inspiration. My buddy and I have been in RC for over 30 years and we took a break to raise kids but now we're back in FULL force and going the FPV route. We're starting out with PNF airframes (Apprentice, Bixler 1.1, Phantom wings, etc.), but we're pretty sure we'll get back to building our own complete airframes like what you've done here. Our hats off to you and keep on being an inspiration to us old farts.
I saw at least one, and I like it. I personally haven't taken the triangle fuselage very far but some other guys are working on it. I'd favor a 90-degree Vtail, which means a right-triangle fuselage, which ends up kind of wide, but I'm sure we could work it out.
The propeller should always be mounted with the convex side and labeling forward. The motor direction is governed by the prop you are using. Standard props turn clockwise when viewed from behind, but be sure to check the individual prop you have. The trailing edge is sharp, the leading edge is blunt. Long story short, if it blows wind back, you're good.
Hey, I like your philosophy regarding simplicity and low cost in choice of materials, i will definately use your ideas in my next build. I would really like to see you build a seaplane using the same principles!! I know they may not be very obvious in your neck of the woods, but i areas where i fly, lakes are abundant and much easier to find than open areas without pesky trees. So a seaplane using your proven techniques...... THIS IS A CHALLENGE!!
On the test stand it will still pitch down, even with the downthrust angle. The 5 degrees is a recommended relative starting point. You may need a little more or a little less, but start there. The plane really needs to be flying and be exposed to all the flight forces of lift and drag before the thrust angle correctness becomes apparent. Essentially, the wing needs air under it to balance the thrust. Try launching at 1/2 power and add power gently from there. I bet it will work fine.
I use a Spektrum DX7 and a Turnigy 9X. There are too many choices for me to recommend one. The HobbyKing Orange series are a good value. I can't post links here but you can see their site. Again, there are many, many good radios out there that I have not mentioned, so best to consult the guys at the local flying field for more ideas too. Don't just trust me.
hey Ed, i just develop an interest for RC plane i have watch your videos regarding the build of a plane and find it very helpful, thanks for your time to put this videos, i have one request if i may ask you if you can make a video witch will explain step by step how to get the electronics joint them togheter to make the plane fly? i really do appreciate your time and effort . looking forward to that thanks again Mohamed.
Good eye! If all the air went smoothly through the upper fuselage it would work pretty well, as with the original Axon. Now with all the FPV gear and wires and crap in there it does disrupt the airflow some. I considered tapering the rear of the upper fuselage for smoother airflow to the prop, but it gets complicated. A solid bulkhead would probably worsen the performance as it would choke off the air completely.
I kind of have an idea of how you mounted the landing gear, but really like to either see a short video on it, or perhaps just some photo's of the detail. My Axon-Phoenix is almost complete and I'd like to incorporate some form of landing gear. Thanks Ed.
Generally cannot go wrong making it 30% of the wing chord behind the leading edge, so if you're 5" airfoil chord plus 1" ailerons then put the CG at 2". Always safe to start forward of that then ease it back after a trimming flight.
Take a length of wire 1-2 ft., clamp a vice grip firmly on each end. Grasp the vice grips in each hand bringing them together to bow the wire. If you jerk them apart quickly it will take straighten the wire enough to use for all practical purposes. Safety first. Wear safety glass in the event one end of the wire pulls from the vice grips and tries to put your eye out. Slip joint or lineman pliers on each end will work as well.
Well, the carbon fiber is right up next to the feedwire, and it's in the null (dead zone) anyway so it wouldn't seem to have much effect. Plastic might be preferable if one were paranoid about such things. The interference seemed to occur very infrequently and at fixed locations on the field so I suspect it's large ground features, like that freeway wall, causing reflections and multipathing where it did occur.
You know, I now just use rubber bands passing front to back for this same purpose. But I once used 1/4" self-adhesive weather stripping. The mounting tape by 3M is honestly as cheap from Home Depot as any place I've seen it online. Office Max also carries it.
Ed. Nice video.. Did you see the Axon with the V tail? Interesting concept.. A triangles tube in the rear would set up the V tail and reduce the rear weight. Maybe enough to offset the extra weight in the front to balance..
Hey Ted, if I have the Orange receiver, will I have trouble with reception if I don't have a satellite receiver..? I planned on running antenna inside, will I have problems? What would you say? Thanks
Love your videos. I'm considering building the Axon FPV. Where do you get your carbon fiber shafts? Also, have you ever, or considered, using shipping tubes for a fuselage?
Hey Ed, can you explain how you mounted those carbon rods to hold the wing? Did you use a hot glue or how did you put it in so the rods don't slide out or fall off? Thanks
Hey Ted, will this battery have enough power for the Axon? It's from RCTimers and it's called 11.1V 2200mAh 15C Lipo Battery Black-B, it has 15C instead of 40C that you have linked. Is it enough or whats the difference?
Hey Ed, I have a problem and I was hoping maybe you can give me some ideas... Today I had a second test fly with my Axon. To make the story short, after the first flight I have added carbon rods support to the vertical stabilizer and added more down angle. Anyways, my Axon keeps acting weird (still): on the throttle up or just no throttle it wants to go up. Also, it stalls (a lot), it doesn't seem to have any power or momentum to make a simple loop, it just starts whirling down.
Womaccke is on it! I literally have no standing water that I could fly off within 20 miles of my house, but I think it's an incredibly cool idea. Let's see what comes up. Stay tuned for another excuse for a challenge, coming in the next couple of days.
Hey Ed, I have tested the motor today for my Axon in full throttle, every time I do the full power, the plane wants to go down, bad... Does it mean I don't have enough down thrust? I have measured exactly 5 degrees, but is it still not enough? Thanks
They'll probably work but only so-so. A 15C discharge rate will about cover the power draw from the motor but it also usually indicates a fairly crappy battery quality. C ratings are always a little sketchy anyway and if the vendor is admitting to 15C it's probably not a great pack. It will be more susceptible to voltage sag (see Internal Resistance Testing video) as well as puffing and early failure. I shoot for 30C minimum just as a rough quality estimate.
Cool setup Ed! One question though, doesn't carbon fibre interfere with transmitters/receivers? so wouldn't the carbon fibre holding up the transmitter antenna be making it noisy?
Do you have a video on how to straighten/bend piano wire? (I bought a reel, but still haven't figured out how to bend it. -It's made of tempered steel)
I just used some piano wire landing gear from a previous plane but honestly I think you could do a lot better with a one-piece plastic or CF unit from eBay or an online vendor. I don't have any stellar ideas but if I find one I will share in a video. The piano wire is nice and cheap but it kind of bends every couple of landings which is annoying.
it is not nose heavy, because I have had 3 different RC people check it for me and it has quiet a descent amount of sticky weights in the nose section. Please, please let me know if you have any idea. I have gotten the 2826 2200 kv motor and 40 A ESC, so it should not have any power, it's almost exact setup as yours... Also I had one guy suggesting today to try a slower prop 6x6 that will give more push but slowler speed (don't know how that's going to go :) Appreciate it!!!
Just put 'em up in the corners and cover with hot glue. I would go generous on the glue because you don't want them to slide towards the center. Also wouldn't cross the rubber bands.
Where can I get the plans for this model ? I´m interesting in build some one. The measures is the most importa for get the correct GC. Thank you in advance
I'm looking for a plane to help a classmate build who's a beginner. The two thinngs I want it to have is 3 channel capability and a pusher so when he crashes we can get him back in the air with out buying a new motor. I think this plane is a good match but I want add dihedral or polyhedral so that it will be entirely hands off self correcting. Any ideas on how to make one of your wings have dihedral.
Great Job! I have seeen many of your videos and soon will be buliding my own plane. I like styrofoam and other simple and unexpensive materials mostly taken from the trash can. Thanks
Hey Ed, how long is the upper fuselage, or where is the best place for motor? (length of the motor mount from the nose tip) Any changes or improvements to this design? Always love your videos. You are an inspiration to a lot of people. God bless.
The CF mast is in the antenna null anyway, so it won't make a difference. IBCrazy sez: "Carbon fiber is a non issue so long as you don't run your antenna along it or beside it. Since your antennas should be vertical anyway, it's not a problem."
I Really like this axon plane" : and yes ,im that 1 weird guy ….I just want hover and look around/slower the better/great long flight. im very new :so far I tossed my FT exployer into the azeala bush -and 3rd time ..I got the CG correct! yours looks heavy + different set-up on the motor! wonders if mine will fly???I got 2830 x 850 KV ../I got 9x6 prop and a 6x4,4...yhinking I need a 9x4.5 ??? idk :>( ..and I made both the 5 +7 ..armin wing! :>)
I love your videos! I am new to RC planes and don't have any equipment yet. Can you recommend a radio and receiver combo that would go well with your designs? Something that would be able to grow into more sophisticated planes or quad copters later on? I notice that there are some inexpensive radios out there ~$50 and more expensive ones with stored parameters for different planes costing many hundreds $$. Also can you comment on if it should be a mode 1 or mode 2 radio. Thanks. Mike.
The original thing was losing my thumb and a bunch of other stuff and having my finger moved over to be a thumb - see the introduction video for more. The bandaid today was due to a blister, nothing serious.
Much thanks. Had a proper maiden flight today and wow I'm hooked. It flies beautifully and glides well with motor shut down. It handled 8 mph winds very well also. I thought the winds might cause a crash but flew and landed like a dream. Thanks for the design and the assistance.
Dude...I'm halfway through this and I'm sold. YOU ARE A FREAKIN' GENIUS! This reminds me of my SPAD days (Simple Plastic Airplane Design) where people were using gutter pipe for fuses and coroplast (basically plastic cardboard) for wings. You are an inspiration. My buddy and I have been in RC for over 30 years and we took a break to raise kids but now we're back in FULL force and going the FPV route. We're starting out with PNF airframes (Apprentice, Bixler 1.1, Phantom wings, etc.), but we're pretty sure we'll get back to building our own complete airframes like what you've done here. Our hats off to you and keep on being an inspiration to us old farts.
Brilliant Ed!, one of the most beautiful and simple FPV designs around UA-cam! Cheers!!
I saw at least one, and I like it. I personally haven't taken the triangle fuselage very far but some other guys are working on it. I'd favor a 90-degree Vtail, which means a right-triangle fuselage, which ends up kind of wide, but I'm sure we could work it out.
The propeller should always be mounted with the convex side and labeling forward. The motor direction is governed by the prop you are using. Standard props turn clockwise when viewed from behind, but be sure to check the individual prop you have. The trailing edge is sharp, the leading edge is blunt. Long story short, if it blows wind back, you're good.
Hey, I like your philosophy regarding simplicity and low cost in choice of materials, i will definately use your ideas in my next build.
I would really like to see you build a seaplane using the same principles!! I know they may not be very obvious in your neck of the woods, but i areas where i fly, lakes are abundant and much easier to find than open areas without pesky trees.
So a seaplane using your proven techniques...... THIS IS A CHALLENGE!!
It's up to the builder, but I like 1.5" ailerons. Thinner become flimsier, wider becomes aggressive on the controls.
On the test stand it will still pitch down, even with the downthrust angle. The 5 degrees is a recommended relative starting point. You may need a little more or a little less, but start there. The plane really needs to be flying and be exposed to all the flight forces of lift and drag before the thrust angle correctness becomes apparent. Essentially, the wing needs air under it to balance the thrust. Try launching at 1/2 power and add power gently from there. I bet it will work fine.
Thank you. You respond very fast in this forum. Great instructions. Can't wait to build one of these.
Ed, last seen exiting Walmart with pockets full of gift cards ;)
Looks really great. I was hoping to see it fly... just because I enjoy watching that kind of thing.
Digin your channel more every day.
Saweeet! Building one. That is great! Looks great
A very practical build! And a great video too!
I use a Spektrum DX7 and a Turnigy 9X. There are too many choices for me to recommend one. The HobbyKing Orange series are a good value. I can't post links here but you can see their site. Again, there are many, many good radios out there that I have not mentioned, so best to consult the guys at the local flying field for more ideas too. Don't just trust me.
hey Ed, i just develop an interest for RC plane i have watch your videos regarding the build of a plane and find it very helpful,
thanks for your time to put this videos, i have one request if i may ask you if you can make a video witch will explain step by step how to get the electronics joint them togheter to make the plane fly?
i really do appreciate your time and effort .
looking forward to that
thanks again Mohamed.
Good eye! If all the air went smoothly through the upper fuselage it would work pretty well, as with the original Axon. Now with all the FPV gear and wires and crap in there it does disrupt the airflow some. I considered tapering the rear of the upper fuselage for smoother airflow to the prop, but it gets complicated. A solid bulkhead would probably worsen the performance as it would choke off the air completely.
Awesome! I still really want to build one of these!
I kind of have an idea of how you mounted the landing gear, but really like to either see a short video on it, or perhaps just some photo's of the detail. My Axon-Phoenix is almost complete and I'd like to incorporate some form of landing gear. Thanks Ed.
Generally cannot go wrong making it 30% of the wing chord behind the leading edge, so if you're 5" airfoil chord plus 1" ailerons then put the CG at 2". Always safe to start forward of that then ease it back after a trimming flight.
Take a length of wire 1-2 ft., clamp a vice grip firmly on each end. Grasp the vice grips in each hand bringing them together to bow the wire. If you jerk them apart quickly it will take straighten the wire enough to use for all practical purposes. Safety first. Wear safety glass in the event one end of the wire pulls from the vice grips and tries to put your eye out. Slip joint or lineman pliers on each end will work as well.
Well, the carbon fiber is right up next to the feedwire, and it's in the null (dead zone) anyway so it wouldn't seem to have much effect. Plastic might be preferable if one were paranoid about such things. The interference seemed to occur very infrequently and at fixed locations on the field so I suspect it's large ground features, like that freeway wall, causing reflections and multipathing where it did occur.
You know, I now just use rubber bands passing front to back for this same purpose. But I once used 1/4" self-adhesive weather stripping. The mounting tape by 3M is honestly as cheap from Home Depot as any place I've seen it online. Office Max also carries it.
Ed. Nice video.. Did you see the Axon with the V tail? Interesting concept.. A triangles tube in the rear would set up the V tail and reduce the rear weight. Maybe enough to offset the extra weight in the front to balance..
I once used carbon arrows from Cabelas, but Radikal RC online has the same tubes for about $4 each, shipping very inexpensively.
Im impressed! Great work!
Ok, thanks Ed. I kinda have an idea for something similar, still with using some piano wire and the gift cards. If it works out I'll post up.
Thanks Ed ! Your builds are awesome!
Hey Ted, if I have the Orange receiver, will I have trouble with reception if I don't have a satellite receiver..? I planned on running antenna inside, will I have problems? What would you say? Thanks
Love your videos. I'm considering building the Axon FPV. Where do you get your carbon fiber shafts? Also, have you ever, or considered, using shipping tubes for a fuselage?
This is going to be awesome.
Hey Ed, can you explain how you mounted those carbon rods to hold the wing? Did you use a hot glue or how did you put it in so the rods don't slide out or fall off?
Thanks
Hey Ted, will this battery have enough power for the Axon? It's from RCTimers and it's called 11.1V 2200mAh 15C Lipo Battery Black-B, it has 15C instead of 40C that you have linked. Is it enough or whats the difference?
Hey Ed, I have a problem and I was hoping maybe you can give me some ideas...
Today I had a second test fly with my Axon. To make the story short, after the first flight I have added carbon rods support to the vertical stabilizer and added more down angle. Anyways, my Axon keeps acting weird (still): on the throttle up or just no throttle it wants to go up. Also, it stalls (a lot), it doesn't seem to have any power or momentum to make a simple loop, it just starts whirling down.
Womaccke is on it! I literally have no standing water that I could fly off within 20 miles of my house, but I think it's an incredibly cool idea. Let's see what comes up. Stay tuned for another excuse for a challenge, coming in the next couple of days.
Hey Ed, I have tested the motor today for my Axon in full throttle, every time I do the full power, the plane wants to go down, bad... Does it mean I don't have enough down thrust? I have measured exactly 5 degrees, but is it still not enough? Thanks
They'll probably work but only so-so. A 15C discharge rate will about cover the power draw from the motor but it also usually indicates a fairly crappy battery quality. C ratings are always a little sketchy anyway and if the vendor is admitting to 15C it's probably not a great pack. It will be more susceptible to voltage sag (see Internal Resistance Testing video) as well as puffing and early failure. I shoot for 30C minimum just as a rough quality estimate.
Cool setup Ed!
One question though, doesn't carbon fibre interfere with transmitters/receivers? so wouldn't the carbon fibre holding up the transmitter antenna be making it noisy?
Do you have a video on how to straighten/bend piano wire? (I bought a reel, but still haven't figured out how to bend it. -It's made of tempered steel)
I just used some piano wire landing gear from a previous plane but honestly I think you could do a lot better with a one-piece plastic or CF unit from eBay or an online vendor. I don't have any stellar ideas but if I find one I will share in a video. The piano wire is nice and cheap but it kind of bends every couple of landings which is annoying.
it is not nose heavy, because I have had 3 different RC people check it for me and it has quiet a descent amount of sticky weights in the nose section. Please, please let me know if you have any idea. I have gotten the 2826 2200 kv motor and 40 A ESC, so it should not have any power, it's almost exact setup as yours... Also I had one guy suggesting today to try a slower prop 6x6 that will give more push but slowler speed (don't know how that's going to go :)
Appreciate it!!!
Just put 'em up in the corners and cover with hot glue. I would go generous on the glue because you don't want them to slide towards the center. Also wouldn't cross the rubber bands.
Great looking plane. What's up with the last couple mins of the vid. that almost got a thumbs down
Where can I get the plans for this model ? I´m interesting in build some one. The measures is the most importa for get the correct GC. Thank you in advance
I'm looking for a plane to help a classmate build who's a beginner. The two thinngs I want it to have is 3 channel capability and a pusher so when he crashes we can get him back in the air with out buying a new motor. I think this plane is a good match but I want add dihedral or polyhedral so that it will be entirely hands off self correcting. Any ideas on how to make one of your wings have dihedral.
Could better describe the insulation you used between the top wing and fuselage. Is it a single sheet or strips? It is hard to see in the video.
Doug
i have that osd but i have no idea how too wireit up can you make a video on it ??
Where shold the CG be for this plane and is it the same chord as the original axon, 5 inches.
Great Job! I have seeen many of your videos and soon will be buliding my own plane.
I like styrofoam and other simple and unexpensive materials mostly taken from the trash can.
Thanks
Nice simple design Thank's
how far from leading edge of wing is the cg?
What's the average run time with the 2200 battery?
Which direction should the motor turn and does it matter which direction the propeller faces?(i.e. Is there and front and back to a propeller?)
Hey Ed, how long is the upper fuselage, or where is the best place for motor? (length of the motor mount from the nose tip) Any changes or improvements to this design? Always love your videos. You are an inspiration to a lot of people. God bless.
Hey Ed, with the added hassle, do u think it's worth making this as twin boom? great vid thanks!
I need some advise in the video I don't see any nose weight I have to ad about 2 1/2 oz. Don't understand why
Where is your CG ? I have one the same with Weigh
I need to know how the [usher motor was mounted and at what angle.
What kind of remote control did you use? Can you please provide me with the link.
The CF mast is in the antenna null anyway, so it won't make a difference. IBCrazy sez: "Carbon fiber is a non issue so long as you don't run your antenna along it or beside it. Since your antennas should be vertical anyway, it's not a problem."
also is there an online place to get the Extreme Mounting tape large roll.
Oh , wow. I am so sorry :) I think I called you Ted few times, too. My bad, and thanks for the tip!
Ed, I'm hoping you can give me a sense of the AUP without the camera gear.
I made a seaplane out of the axon. Posting a vid tonight
what happened to your left hand?
does the 60'' armin wing also have 1.5'' ailerons?
WOW!!!
I Really like this axon plane" : and yes ,im that 1 weird guy ….I just want hover and look around/slower the better/great long flight. im very new :so far I tossed my FT exployer into the azeala bush -and 3rd time ..I got the CG correct! yours looks heavy + different set-up on the motor! wonders if mine will fly???I got 2830 x 850 KV ../I got 9x6 prop and a 6x4,4...yhinking I need a 9x4.5 ??? idk :>( ..and I made both the 5 +7 ..armin wing! :>)
I love your videos! I am new to RC planes and don't have any equipment yet. Can you recommend a radio and receiver combo that would go well with your designs? Something that would be able to grow into more sophisticated planes or quad copters later on? I notice that there are some inexpensive radios out there ~$50 and more expensive ones with stored parameters for different planes costing many hundreds $$. Also can you comment on if it should be a mode 1 or mode 2 radio. Thanks. Mike.
tgy i6 with the 9x Rx or the tgy 9x TX
I would have said tail heavy. Where is your CG? Make sure prop is on right direction.
The original thing was losing my thumb and a bunch of other stuff and having my finger moved over to be a thumb - see the introduction video for more. The bandaid today was due to a blister, nothing serious.
He has an introduction video where he introduces himself and he explains what happened.
Inside foamboard is fine but be sure to place it well away from other electronics and the battery. I'm actually Ed.
What is total weight with battery
Where is the flight video?
I meant it is not tail heavy here
You couldn't have your thumb sawn back on
IM A PLANE!
I will. It's not hard at all, but not intuitive, and they're not labeled. Yikes!
Thanks Ed ! Your builds are awesome!