Model Plane Development
The Challenge
As a personal project, there were no externally set goals for my model plane, so I made some up. I wanted a plane that was capable of sustained flight (more than 7 minutes), cost effective (under $100), and most importantly, fun to fly. This challenge was taken on with the primary goal of expanding my skill set as a problem solver, maker, and engineer. The images below show (in chronological order) the first failed design, the first design that worked, and my plans for what will come next.
The Product
Outcome
As an ongoing project I have seen several important milestones throughout development. From the first delta shaped airframe to the first successful prototype with a traditional airframe (pictured first), I have learned a lot about problem solving in addition to the specifics of flight. I am now carrying on those lessons to the design I have spent the last several months working on. From the asymmetrical airfoil selection to the servo motors and control surfaces, each design choice made was informed by various successes and failures.