Make a Thrust Vectoring Jet! - Build Log

February 11, 2019|FliteTest

Want to thrust vector? Here's how Alex and our friend Adam converted an EDF jet to create a wild ride.

Dude, have you seen the creations ajwoodpeice has been putting out on his YouTube channel? You might remember Adam from his Flying Lego Airplane that appeared at Flite Fest West in 2017. We decided to get him on the show to collab with Alex on an aerobatic jet project.

How It Was Done

Defining the goal

Adam wanted to recreate a pusher prop F-22 that he had designed in his spare time. This uses an affordable EDF version of the F-22 you can order here. The main mission for this plane was for it to become an aerobatic monster of a jet capable of vectoring thrust with its large control surfaces. Let's go!

Cutting

A major component of this build was hacking into the already beautiful looking airframe to fit all of the extra electronics. The EDF also had to be removed, but this was actually exceedingly simple as it wasn't glued in. Nice!

Don't be afraid to go for it

Hacking up a nice airframe can be a daunting prospect. It's alright to think a lot about the process before jumping into a build, but at some point you'll have to put knife to foam. Remember, practice is a necessary part of the learning process. You might be surprised at how good looking your project turns out to be! You can also always cover up blemishes with an awesome new paint job, if needs be.

Positioning motors are important

Remember, any inconstancies with offset motors will result in skewed thrust lines. For securing your motors, it's important to use the right glue. Be sure to check out our range of CA glues, the sort you should use for these all-important firewall mounts, on the Flite Test store.

Also, if your wondering on the motor type to use on this build, we used the new 2205 FT Radial motor. Check out all the stats you need to know about this brand new Flite Test designed motor on the Flite Test store through this handy link.

Get Inspiration

If you're looking for some inspiration for a new quick build or longer-term project, you can always find it at Flite Test. We have a ton of Flite Test project articles along with community builds here and on the Forum for you to check out anytime that suits you. Here's another thrust-vectoring jet featured in a Flite Test article last year.

More from Adam

Aka: ajwoodpiece

If you want to see more of Adam's work, make sure to check out Adam's social media accounts and YouTube. Here's a taste of what he has created, though.

Aerobatic X-Wing