2019 Aero Design

[Beavertail]

It's definitely getting there Gary but still a long way to go!

What do you expect that the total weight RTF is going to be?

Fully Loaded RTF the Estimated weight is 30lbs with two gliders. That is a very low estimate as we will probably be closer to 40lbs all done.

[RocketManRC]

Yikes! That is a painfully low power to weight ratio but I'm sure I don't have to tell you that

[Beavertail]

Yikes! That is a painfully low power to weight ratio but I'm sure I don't have to tell you that

That would be a very accurate statement! aha! hence why the wingspan is 12ft long and the root cord of the wing is over 55cm!

[astroflyer]

Personally Gary I think the wing is gonna be your biggest problem. Not near enough area to carry that weight. It looks more like a glider wing than that of a lifter.

[Beavertail]

Personally Gary I think the wing is gonna be your biggest problem. Not near enough area to carry that weight. It looks more like a glider wing than that of a lifter.

The idea of the wing is based on the low power to weight ratio, hence the glider shape. An airfoil lift and drag coefficient is a proportional relationship, thus if we increased the lift coefficient of the wing the drag coefficient also increases dramatically and with the low amount of power available it was actually beneficial to use an airfoil with a lower lift coefficient allowing for a lower drag coefficient as well.

Fun fact the airfoil that we used this year is actually the same as the one used on the human powered aircraft that holds the record i think aha or something along those lines.

[astroflyer]

I go by the "that looks right" theory Gary. Lol. Keeping the same airfoil and increasing the chord for more wing area would not work?

[Beavertail]

I go by the "that looks right" theory Gary. Lol. Keeping the same airfoil and increasing the chord for more wing area would not work?

Haha! good question! actually had me thinking on this one but yes in theory increasing the cord would increase the lift Coefficient, however if we increase the cord and wing area with a set span at 12ft (competition rules) then in return the aspect ratio would decrease, resulting in a need for higher cruising speed which we cant achieve and closing the flight envelope even more (which is already very small!). Hence why gliders have a high aspect ratio wing for they have a very low cruising speed and no power to weight ratio!

[Beavertail]

After Competition Update!
Wow what a hectic three weeks it has been! Lot of late nights, long drives, headaches! First day in texas was spent on finishing up the plane, howling winds so there was no point in even trying to fly. Lots of issues, loose ends which needed fixing. Friday morning before inspection we got our first flight and was a great flight! Had elev issues with it not centering (which doesnt help with an all moving tail) and gliders not dropping but the plane was super stable and no issues there! The plane flew AMAZING and quoting the pilot from competition said "The plane i have the most confidence in flying this competition!" Day one involved some howling winds which claimed the lives of more than half the planes that flew, hence, we held off until the last two rounds of day one to fly. We flew fantastically! but kinda got screwed over with the rules thus both flights were disqualified... anyhow day two was another great day! calmer winds and two successful flights! Still were'nt good enough as our gliders were lacking but we ended up with a fantastic flying plane which is still in one piece! first time in four years! Ill add all the photos onto the link i shared in the first post but here are some highlights

[Beavertail]

Some Pictures of the finishing up the build before leaving

[Beavertail]

some pictures of the competition!