Fun Fly with parkjet foamies

October 4, 2014|AG Pro

Flying model aviation can be a traumatic event or a fun experience. Obviously, we always hope to achieve our positive expectation. There are many different ways to start your adventure in this hobby. Besides the countless time commitment, the required fund is also be included in our consideration.

However in this article, we would like to share the experience on starting the hobby by scratch building. Scratch building a model aviation may vary from a cheap, simple-built trainer, to a scale and precise model. It is recommended to start the hobby with low investment and to get the fell and experience of enjoying this hobby with great satisfaction. Once you have tried and experienced it, don’t be surprised if you get addicted to this hobby, as well as the community.

There are lots and lots of design plans of scratch building model aviation made available on the internet. You might want to start with the easiest and simple build. One of the example is the design plans from Flite Test which involves small number of parts and minimum electronics required to finish the model. We would like also to share some design plans which will add to the selections. A pusher-parkjet foamies has been a popular simple and quick build model. There are 2 design plans made available freely to try this hobby experience.

The first design is a pusher parkjet, based on the Russian 5^th generation fighter, Sukhoi T-50 PAK FA. The delta wing provides large wing’s surface area to enable sufficient lift for a slow cruise flight. This model can be flown easily and suitable for a beginner and easy to take-off by side hand launch. However, this model has 4 x Elevons as the control surfaces and make this model agile to maneuver with aerobatic style. Implement a low rates setting for easy flight and change to high rates when you are ready for aggressive maneuvers.

The specification is as follows:

Wingspan : 748 mm ( 29.4 inch )

Length : 919 mm ( 36.2 inch )

Height : 180 mm ( 7.1 inch )

Estimated A.U.W : 660 g – 700 g ( 23.3 oz – 24.7 oz )

Tested Drive system :

Brushless motor : Revox 2808-1900kv, 150W

ESC : Emax 30A

Propeller : Revox 6x4E

Servos : Emax ES08MD Digital, Metal Gear servo

Li-po Batt : Emax Tipple 3S-1800mAh (20C)

Radio Tx/Rx system:

JR Propo XG-7, 2.4 GHz transmitter

JR Propo RG831B, 8ch 2.4 GHz receiver

Here is the flight video:

The second design is a high speed pusher parkjet, based on the U.S jet fighter, F-14. The swept-back wings decrease drag and allow high speed flight. This model required more experience to pilot and a little tricky for side hand-launch. You might want to run a couple of feet before releasing the model during side hand-launch. The model has only 2 ailerons and 1 elevator as the control surfaces; making this model light and very agile. It is recommended to lower D/R and Expo setting to prevent stall during a slow speed quick maneuvers. For further maneuverability, you may split the elevator to make the elevons.