FT Versa wings with a Noob Tube Body

by Stephan | April 9, 2014 | (15) Posted in Projects

I decided to combine the Noob Tube by:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xk9ecvgkU0 with the Versa wing. The fuselage is not as high.  I lowered the 3X3" to 2.5X3.  Needed that low profile I think.  The gear are those for the Hellcat posted at Flitetest and the engine mount is made on the fly(pardon the pun).  The rest is pretty standard although you will note I had to add some support to the wing on the bottom to glue.  It is an extra piece of foamboard that extends out about an inch on both sides. the wing is then glued down and across the top.  The hatch is Noob tube inspired for the electronics.  Tell me what you guys think???

 

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COMMENTS

LordVader on May 6, 2014
This is really cool, I like the look of it. Hope it flies as good. Nice job.
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Stephan on May 13, 2014
Lord Vader It flies like a dream.. One of my MOST dependable planes. I would like to say though that the motor is too weak that you see in the picture. It flies ok with the 28-36 2700 KV by Hobbie king. I just put the 35-36 1800 KV on this baby and it tore out when I took off!! Quite the change...let's just say she disappears into the distance quite quickly. It flies fast but very nice. I will keep this configuration. You will notice I put a hole in the front for the ESC and motor wires to be fed through. I will add a scoop. here and not cover it over. The 70 amp ESC needs all the ventilation it can GET. accordingly be sure to leave a slit at the back of the plane where you fold the back up to allow air and heat to escape. It is a lot more streamline than putting the ESC outside the plane (which I have tried) looks silly to me. I will build another one ( version 3) with a steerable front landing gear. With this motor it is a little too tricky taking off.
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nicktutttle on May 6, 2014
Looks awesome! How does it fly?
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Stephan on May 7, 2014
It flies ok...It is not a speed demon. You MUST make sure you balance the battery in this one and I have since noticed that the engine firewall needs to be a bit thicker. I have also added a thin piece of foamboard on the front for impacts. The landing gear also need a rear support because they tend to fold but that is probably because I used hanger material...not the best. My friend told me the wire can be hardened by heating it and dunking the wire in water before installation. She is simple but flies with grace when balanced properly. The throws are radical so please limit them from the get go! They work on Josh's flying wing...they are too nuts for this plane.
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Redazrael on May 6, 2014
I have gotta do this! except with the "Fugly Jet" size tube and EDFsetup. Excellent idea you have here and definitely inspires me to make something similar but along the lines of like a "Stinger Jet" or something. Thanks for sharing this BRILLIANT idea!!!
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Stephan on May 7, 2014
Give it a shot. It is soooo quick to build. One afternoon guaranteed. I am building a new one now. I will externalize the servos on the wing though. I blew a servo and it is IMPOSSIBLE to keep the wing intact and replace the servo..unless there is something I do not know? I will insert the servo from the top like on those cheap Hobbyking foamies so I can just cut out the blown servo and replace it.
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Stephan on May 7, 2014
OOOOH also forgot to say that I have added the packing tape to the equation. Of course wrap the board prior to construction of the wing. The packing tape makes this wing bulletproof! Well at least somewhat immune to impacts.
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Redazrael on May 7, 2014
I have drifted away from the packing tape as I used it on the red and blue ft-22 edf in my last article. Have developed a method of ironing the foam board with a modified straightening iron (for hair) and anywhere theres a bevel that would be cut or sanded i basically melt it in, and all edges i mark the middle of the foam and bevel each side until i get a perfect point where the foam has melted and the paper meets. It completely eliminates peeling paper entirely and the edges act as if there's a skewer inbedded because the foam melts into a very rigid state and at least triples the strength of the foam board. it takes a lil practice to get it consistent but once you do you won't believe the results
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Pixure on May 11, 2014
Redazrael,
Could you share a video clip detailing the modifications you made to the straightening iron and your technique for beveling edges? Could this also be used to create tapered trailing edges?
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3DMad5 on May 6, 2014
THAT'S AWESOME!!! :D

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sailorJohn on May 6, 2014
I was hoping someone would try this as I like the way versa wings fly and they are fairly easy to build . Pls let us know how it flys and where the balance point ends up. Try to make a video of it. thank you for sharing.
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Stephan on May 13, 2014
Sailor Jon check Lord Vader's comment for details on how it flies. I would close to the love to videotape but I usually fly alone. Believe it or not, the CG is about where it was before. I make sure to keep the battery and various other paraphernalia necessary for flight close to where the leading edge of the wing meets the fuselage. I know it may seem a little front heavy but it seems to work fine.
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Tom Parker on May 6, 2014
Would like to have plans how does it fly
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Stephan on May 7, 2014
Do not need any plans Tom. Just go and build the noob tube fuselage: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xafg-o83L94 build this tube standard length but at 2" high X 3" wide. Slant the front and back at 6" from the front or back respectively. Build the engine mount with balsa plywood. My mount angles according to the slant of the 6" difference. The firewall is made from three pieces of plywood. THIS MUST BE STRONG. If the engine lets out or the battery dies it glides like a stream line brick. Likewise the landing speed needs to be up there. The wings are posted here at flitetest and are the flying wing that Josh builds: http://www2.flitetest.com/articles/ft-versa-wing-build So now just join the two together with a plaque you make for the wing joining. Use the pictures i have posted to help you do this build. It is that simple!! Ad for motors I use the 28-36 by hobbyking with a 2200 battery: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__21482__NTM_Prop_Drive_28_36_2700KV_595W.html?strSearch=28%2036
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Damig on September 26, 2016
How did I miss this one..... Love the look.... (WOW 2014) did anyone try a "elevon"

Nice Stephan.... and Thanks for Sharing..... I will have to search and catch up with your posts... lol (its September, 2016, and I just only now found this in a Versa search)

roflmao

Fly fast, take chances, see magic smoke escape... it's only foamboard!

miggy

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FT Versa wings with a Noob Tube Body