MAIDEN FLIGHT
80+ MPH
-Blackbeltrrf from the FT forums
Wow! Why did I have to watch that 80+ video? I am going to have to build this!
-Neilyboy from the FT forums
I just wanted to say thank you for such an excellent design. Keep the wonderful designs coming!!
DETAILS
The last few months I've been hard at work designing planes for you guys, you may have seen my designs featured on FliteTest in the past, if not please check them out!
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The nnChipmunk was exciting to design and I was able to pull all my previous resources and experience to make something truly great. From the beginning I wanted a fun, nimble, stable all around plane that would work for a wide range of skill level. The final product is something I am very proud of and I am pleased to be able to offer the plans for free to everyone. Check out the Review below for more details about why the nnChipmunk is my new favorite plane, and why it should be your next build.
If you're interested in reading more info about the nnChipmunk, I have a forum thread that covers the design and build.
SPECS
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WINGSPAN
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43in |
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FUSE
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30in |
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CHANNELS
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4 |
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WEIGHT
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Airframe 270g (with 25g aluminum spar) AUW 620g (Standard build) |
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ELECTRONICS
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Standard build 80+ MPH |
| MATERIALS |
3 sheets of DTFB |
BUILD DIFFICULTY
Beginner – You’ve never flown a plane before, let alone done a scratch build
Novice – You’ve flown a plane but have no experience with scratch building
Intermediate – You’ve flown and built a few FT style planes before
Advanced – You’ve mastered the standard FT build style and are looking for a new challenge
Expert – You’ve mastered all build techniques and aren’t afraid to improvise or tackle tedious builds
The nnChipmunk is a Intermediate to advanced build.
PLANS
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VERSION 1.1 December 12th 2014 |
Change log --Added Super Chipmunk options --Increased size of aileron and elevator tips for increased durability |
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VERSION 1 September 4th 2014 |
Change log -Fuse --Increased size of wing cut out --Added elevator control mechanism --Changed tail 'step up' section --Added BBQ spar to horizontal stabilizer -Wing --Added CG mark -Poster board --Made tail grove wider --Increased size of cockpit cutout in tail poster --Reduced height of cockpit --Squared off end of winglet |
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BETA 2 August 30th 2014 |
Change log -Fuse --Added fuse crease lines --Added remove paper from belly - tail section --Lengthen belly tail section --Trimmed rudder notch for elevator movement --Notched cockpit former 3 --Lengthened vertical stab --Added former 4 to support vertical stab/poster board --Added center line to belly --Added paper and foam removal section in belly for wing --Added power pod holes -Wing --Add dihedral --Add dihedral gauge - 10cm -Poster board --Added nose poster --Added tail poster --Added wing groove poster --Added cockpit |
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BETA 1 August 28th 2014 |
Change log --NA |
FAQ
Will this plane work with the standard FT powerpod and electronics?
Yes. The Beef package/park 425 or greater will work just fine.
Will there be a build video?
Yes, but it won't be ready for a bit. The nnChipmunk is a Intermediate to advanced build and follows the same FT build techniques you're already familiar with. So if you need some guidance check out the build video FliteTest made http://flitetest.com/articles/ft-mustang-build
The only really tricky part is the rear poster board and the split elevator but with a little patience it comes together perfect.
How scale is the nnChipmunk?
I went the extra mile to keep the nnChipmunk as scale as possible. No major changes were made.
Is the nnChipmunk a good plane for a beginner to fly?
No. The build requires someone familiar with scratch building DTFB planes and the flying style is a little ahead of a beginner. You'll want to already know how to fly before tackling the nnChimpunk.
I want to build the 80+ MPH version of the nnChipmunk, what do I need to know?
The nnChipmunk is built ready for speed. You’ll need an aluminum spar in the wing but no structural changes need to be made in order to achieve 80+ MPH.
PICTURES
REVIEW
STALLS
No bad tendencies, at all. No tip stalls. No high speed stalls. Nothing. In the maiden video I drop the throttle and she floats down like a feather.
WIND
Wind performance is great. Side winds are no problem and in a light breeze the nnChipmunk will hover in place.
LAUNCHING/LANDING
It takes very little effort to hand launch and landing is very floaty and graceful.
ACROBATICS
Rolls, loops, and inverted are solid. You’ll need a decent amount of up elevator when inverted but the nnChipmunk is very stable upside down.
GLIDE SLOPE
Amazing. For its size and weight I wasn’t sure it would perform this well but it glides like a champ.
SLOW SPEED PERFORMANCE
¼ throttle flying is possible with the nnChimpunk, that’s all that needs to be said.
LOOK AND FEEL
The Chipmunk is a unique looking plane with its tail ridge and cockpit. The final product really captures the look of the Chipmunk.
As far as feel goes, the nnChipmunk is a real treat to fly. It’s hard to sum up if a plane is ‘good’ or not by just reading a review. Sure it might have decent tendencies and characteristics, but would you enjoy flying it? Will you want to fly it? With most planes the answer is no or maybe, but with the nnChipmunk I can whole heartedly say that it’s a fun plane to fly. It handles so well and is very responsive at all times during flight. It has a huge speed envelope and appeals to a wide range of skill levels.
FINAL COMMENTS
WOW! The nnChipmunk is amazing. If you guys don't already know, the FT Spitfire has been my favorite plane from the first time I flew it. I've made pretty much every possible size FT Spitfire and always have one ready to fly, and I recommend to everyone that they need to build one.
With that being said, know that I don't make the following claim lightly. The nnChipmunk is my new favorite plane. It has a huge speed envelope, just the right amount of floatiness, is very fun to fly, and just has a great feel to it all around. It is by far my best design to date and the nnBucker and nnMoth Minor are no slouches. After my maiden I put 8 more batteries through the nnChipmunk and I can't find anything bad to say about it.
Everyone should build one. You, guy reading this article right now, download the nnChipmunk plans and build one, you won't regret it!
Thanks for checking out the nnChipmunk! If you built a nnChipmunk and enjoyed it please consider donating a few bucks so I can buy more supplies to make more great planes.
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