Unstable Flying Wing Demonstrator with Electric Power

A tailless RC model with 5 deg wing sweep, 1.5 deg wing twist, an Eppler 182 airfoil, and AR =9 wing. The model has an onboard computer stabilization system based of dRehm Flight software and uses pitch attitude plus angle of attack feedback to provide pitch stability. The center of gravity is located 4% of the chord behind the neutral point and the model has no inherent stability without the computer feedback. This allows the flap deflection vs speed to approximate an optimal airfoil shape when compared to the inherently stable design which has opposite trim flap deflection. The model can soar with the electric motor turned off and has shown safe recovery from stalls relying on the feedback control system.

[@alcampbell5831]

Very impressive.

[@user-uw2ro2bo5m]

Wonderful archievement. I am a passionate of flying wings with bird shape. Is there any control sytem that I can buy?

[@XXXmags]

Question: Does this combine the signal from the gyroscope and the angle of attack sensor?
Also, is there anything special about the elevon servos?

[@tifosaurus]

Wow! I just want to build one. But the difficult part must be the AoA sensor?

[@smorrismlbco]

It's just a low friction potentiometer with a homemade balanced vane attached. The potentiometer came from an old HiTec mini servo. I run it on the 3V regulated supply from the Teensy CPU and read the value on an A/D channel.

[@dogdooish]

Dump the fins bring the CG forward a bit give it a litttl repeat little Dihedral and fly it! Sadly I can't paste a jpg here !