The "JK Slick" Scratch Build

by aerosport | June 24, 2013 | (11) Posted in Projects

Inspired by FliteTest’s foam board scratch builds and the FT 3D, I thought would give the construction technique a try.  I picked up some foam board, a hot glue gun and a bunch of glue sticks and started researching designs, followed by a puzzled look on my girlfriends face, “...You’re going to build a plane from that?!”

 

Utilizing some of the construction techniques of the FT 3D, I drew up rough plans hoping to create a 3D and IMAC flight capable plane.  I roughly modeled the plane off a mixture of the Extra 330SC, Edge 540 and the Sbach 341.  I scaled up the dimensions from the plans to draw and cut the components out of the foam board.  The build went pretty smooth hot gluing the foam board was quick and easy.  I cut out control horns from light-ply and used salvaged carbon gear from a dearly departed Mini Funtana.  For the trim scheme I used left over Oracover film and some black spray paint for the ‘canopy’.  I also bedazzled the new plane with some left over decals modified as a play on my initials reading ‘JK Hobby Shop’.  After about 20 hours of design and construction the plane was ready to go!

 

From the first flight I was very impressed as to how well these foam board planes can fly.  I had reserved expectations on flight characteristics, but as that plane climbed out on the first take off I knew I had a winner!  The plane flies very smooth and is highly aerobatic.  It can knife edge from one end of the field to the other with very little coupling.  Although I am still learning 3D it seems to hover quite nice, especially after I bumped the C of G back a touch on later flights.

 

I fly small electrics to 30cc gassers and I can honestly say this little foam board plane has become one of my favorites!  I would highly recommend people try such projects as they are highly rewarding and lots of fun.  It’s also fun when guys at the field ask you “…what ARF is that?”  Thank you FliteTest for the inspiration and keeping the hobby fun and simple!

 

Specs:  E-Flite Park 480 1020kv, E-Flite 30 amp ESC, Turnigy 113MG servos on the elevator and rudder, Hitec HS-55 servos on the ailerons, 2200mah 3S LiPo battery, Spektrum AR500 receiver.

 

 

COMMENTS

boarding pass on July 13, 2013
cool buld, man that thing is quick. what prop are you running it looks like there is some big pitch on it ! how does it handle the slow manovers? I am just starting to try some basic 3D but I think trying at this speed might be disaster waiting to happen for me! Have you used any carbon in the wings? I built a flying pig (bit of fun mainly) with the same type of wings, but when i get up in the air speed I get wing flutter any clues? I will attempt another one soon! well done!
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Auflyer on July 18, 2013
Very nice looking design, would also like to have the plans.
Please post when you get the time.
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blackkrystal73 on July 13, 2013
Yes, yes. Plans please!
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tomernassi on July 14, 2013
Wow! Thats look Awesome! do you have plans ? if do, where can i get them :)
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aerosport on July 13, 2013
Hey guys,

I am using a 11x7 APC prop with a 3S 2200mah battery. It is pretty quick flies pattern maneuvers well with forward CofG. With the C of G back it flies 3D better. With a few flights under my belt and changing the rudder servo out it harriers quite well and can hover right on the deck. Oh ya, I added some small winglets too. Lots of fun!
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aerosport on July 13, 2013
The wing is one piece through the fuselage with a balsa center spar (about 10 inches) with foam board to the tip. I followed the same technique as the FT3D the wing is just a different shape. No carbon.

It is very strong. I have done lots of blenders with no issue. Surprising strength.
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JustinTime on July 13, 2013
In the pictures it doesn't look like a one piece wing. Looking into the battery opening I don't see the wing going through. Also in the fuselage I don't see the cutouts for the wing. Am I missing something?

BTW, what's the dimensions of the plane? Looks really good. I may want to steal your plan? :D
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boarding pass on July 13, 2013
is your main wing one piece through the fuse?
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aerosport on July 13, 2013
Well, when I say one piece I mean that it is glued permanently. So you are correct I did construct 2 wing halves then joined them with the balsa spar and hardwood square stock in the back (popsicle stick would work as well or BBQ skewer).

Dimensions:

Wingspan: 43.5"
Length: 36"

Maybe I can write up some basic plans this week and post them.

Thanks for the comments guys!
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aerosport on August 29, 2013
Thanks guys! Work has been crazy. I plan on doing a version 2 with plans this winter.
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ray574 on August 6, 2013
Fantastic! Super build! Please post plans, this would be an excellent intro to 3D for beginners like me!
FT 3D is great, but the proportions of this are more like the Extra and others, very nice, a beautiful
plane!
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RC Wonder on September 8, 2013
can u bring out plans

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Flying Sky on April 22, 2014
Have you uploaded any plans for this build yet? It is a great looking plane. It would be much appreciated if I could get those specs/plans. Thanks
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Wimp on May 22, 2014
That is a seriously good looking plan! Did plans ever get up loaded or done?
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DP AIR CREW on May 29, 2014
Can you please email me your plans? You have designed something that is exactly what my father and I enjoy flying and would very much like to add to our air fleet.
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sirguiome on June 12, 2014
Hey JK
I think there are a lot of us (me especially) who would like to build your ""JK Slick"
Do you have any plans coming out soon? I would like to build ASAP a MACC aerobatic challenge to new pilots in Canada and I want an inexpensive model to learn with.
If you did your design in Sketchup, could you post it to their 3d warehouse?
Thanks, Bill
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sirguiome on June 6, 2014
Hi i really like your plans
Are you willing to share them?
If so you can reach me at billygallinger@gmail.com
Thanks
Bill
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Jackson T on June 20, 2018
Really nice design!
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The "JK Slick" Scratch Build