Wiktor Wise
Building an electric toy plane can be a fun and educational activity for both children and adults. It can be a simple project using hand tools and wood or a more complex one involving electronics and calculations. The basic steps include designing the plane, choosing the materials, constructing the frame, adding electronics, and final assembly. The plane's performance can be tailored by adjusting the motor and battery, with the option to add features such as cameras for aerial photography. Safety considerations, such as ensuring secure wings to prevent them from coming loose during flight, are also important. Building an electric toy plane offers an opportunity to learn about electronics, mathematics, and aeronautics through hands-on experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Foamboard, balsa, pine wood, glue, screws, nails, popsicle sticks, rubber bands, motors, wires, batteries, ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), BEC (Battery Eliminator Circuit) |
| Design | Scale drawing with specific proportions for wing length, fuselage length, wingspan, horizontal stabilizer, vertical stabilizer, and wing chord. |
| Construction | Transferring design to foamboard, cutting, gluing, and assembling various parts, including fuselage, wings, tail, and electronics. |
| Motor and Battery | Motors and batteries should be chosen to provide sufficient thrust and flight time. Motors are screwed into popsicle sticks for a strong motor mount. |
| ESC and BEC | ESC handles Amperage draw of the motor. BEC regulates voltage and powers servos and receiver. |
| Weight | Total weight estimate is important for flight handling and wing loading calculations. |
| Safety | Balancing the assembly to find the center of gravity is crucial for safe flight. |
| Speed | Speed can be tailored by adjusting the power supplied to the airplane through wires instead of carrying a battery. |
| Entertainment | Toy planes can be painted and decorated, providing a fun activity for children. |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right electronics
Motor and Battery:
The motor and battery are the heart of your electric toy plane, determining its performance and flight characteristics. Choose a motor that provides sufficient thrust for your plane's size and weight. The battery you select should offer a decent flight time while also considering the 80% rule, which suggests discharging batteries only up to 80% of their capacity. You can use the following equation to calculate flight time: Flight Time (in minutes) = Battery Capacity (Ah) / Motor Amp Draw (Amperes) x 48.
Electronic Speed Controller (ESC):
The ESC plays a vital role in managing the power delivered to the motor. Choose an ESC that can handle the amperage draw of your selected motor. If you're using multiple motors or larger servos that draw more amperes, ensure the ESC can handle the total current draw. If not, consider using an external Battery Elimination Circuit (BEC) that takes power directly from the battery and provides the desired voltage to the servos and receiver.
Servos:
Servos are essential for controlling various functions of your plane, such as moving control surfaces. Larger servos tend to draw more amperes, so consider the current draw specifications when selecting them. Ensure you have enough servos to control all the necessary functions of your plane.
Receiver:
The receiver is responsible for receiving signals from your transmitter and relaying them to the servos for controlling the plane. Choose a receiver that is compatible with your transmitter and has enough channels to control all the functions of your plane.
Transmitter:
The transmitter is your handheld controller, allowing you to operate the plane remotely. Select a transmitter that offers the range and functionality you need for your electric toy plane. Consider the number of channels you require to control various functions and the ease of use.
Additional Electronics:
Depending on your plane's features and capabilities, you may need additional electronics. For example, if you plan to attach a camera for aerial photography or FPV (First-Person View) flying, ensure you select a compatible camera and any necessary transmission equipment.
Remember to consider the weight of all the electronics collectively, as it will impact the overall weight and flight characteristics of your electric toy plane. Always refer to the manufacturer's specifications and recommendations when choosing electronics to ensure compatibility and optimal performance.
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Selecting the right motor and battery
First, determine the desired size and weight of your plane. Larger planes will require more powerful motors and batteries to achieve and sustain flight. The weight of your plane will also influence the thrust and power needed. A larger, heavier plane will require a motor that can generate more thrust and a battery with a higher capacity to provide longer flight times.
Next, consider the type of motor and its performance characteristics. Brushless motors are typically more efficient and powerful than brushed motors, making them ideal for electric aircraft. Check the manufacturer's specifications for the motor's kV rating, which indicates its speed and voltage constant. A higher kV rating means the motor will spin faster at a given voltage, so choose a motor with a kV rating suitable for your propeller size and desired speed.
Calculate the current draw of your motor. The motor's amperage draw is essential for selecting the right Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). The ESC regulates the power to the motor, and it must be capable of handling the motor's current draw. Check the manufacturer's recommendations for the motor to ensure you select a compatible ESC.
When choosing a battery, consider its capacity and voltage. The battery's capacity, measured in milliamp-hours (mAh) or amp-hours (Ah), indicates how much current it can deliver over time. A higher-capacity battery will provide longer flight times but will also add weight to your plane. The voltage of the battery will affect the motor's speed and power output, so choose a voltage that aligns with your motor's requirements.
Finally, consider using a battery with a lower discharge rate, such as around 80% of its capacity. This will help prolong the battery's lifespan and ensure safer operation. You can use the following equation to calculate the expected flight time: Flight Time (minutes) = Battery Capacity (Ah) / Motor Amp Draw (Amperes) x 48.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select the right motor and battery combination for your electric toy plane, ensuring optimal performance, flight duration, and safety.
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Using foamboard to construct the plane
To begin constructing your electric toy plane with foamboard, you will first need to decide on the design and scale of your plane. Once you are happy with your design, you can transfer these plans onto the foamboard.
Foamboard usually consists of three layers: an inner layer of polystyrene or polyurethane foam, and an outer facing on each side of either white clay-coated paper, cotton archival paper, or common brown Kraft paper. The paper gives the thin foam board rigidity and allows for easy decoration without worrying about melting the foam.
When you have your foamboard, you will need to cut out the required shapes. The fuselage, for example, can be divided into three sections: the tail, centre, and nose. The tail section can be made from two triangles and two narrow trapezoids glued together with hot glue. The centre section is a simple box shape, with bulkheads added to help the foam keep its shape. After constructing each section, they can be glued together, and the electronics added.
When cutting the foamboard, you may need to cut out gaps and fill them with glue to fold the board as required.
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Attaching the wings
First, determine the wing length and width. The wing length should be approximately five to six times the width. For a stronger hold, create a slot for the wing. You can do this by gluing together foam boards to achieve the required length. For instance, if your desired wing length is 30 inches, you can use one full sheet of foam board and add two 22.5-inch pieces on each side, resulting in a total length of 75 inches. The width of the foam board required is determined by multiplying the wing chord by two. If your wing chord is 12 inches, you will need a foam board that is around 24 inches wide. Remember to consider the fold-over of the wing when calculating the required foam board width.
Next, you can attach the wings to the fuselage, which is the body of the plane. One method is to use rubber bands to secure the wings. You can create small "pods" on the wings that will attach to the fuselage with rubber bands. This technique provides flexibility and a secure hold. Alternatively, you can use nails to attach the wings. Drive the nails in at opposite angles to prevent the wings from being pulled off. This method ensures a sturdy and long-lasting hold.
Additionally, you can enhance the stability of the wings by using a horizontal stabilizer. The distance from the leading edge of the wing to the horizontal stabilizer should be approximately three times the chord of the wing. The horizontal stabilizer should occupy about 25% of the wing area. Balancing the assembly is crucial to ensure stable flight. Use a sharp object to mark the centre of gravity clearly.
By following these steps and calculations, you can effectively attach the wings to your electric toy plane, ensuring both stability and security.
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Painting the plane
Painting your electric toy plane is a fun and simple process. You can ask your child if they would like to paint their plane, and if they say yes, hand them a brush and some acrylic craft paint and let them have fun! Acrylic paint is easy to wash off hands and clothes, so it's a worry-free activity for kids.
If you want to paint the plane yourself, you can use spray paint, which will give a more even finish. First, ensure that your work area is well-ventilated and that you are wearing a mask to avoid inhaling any paint particles. Place the plane on a flat surface and use even, sweeping motions to apply the paint. It is recommended to use light, gentle coats and gradually build up the colour to your desired shade.
If you are using a darker colour, such as blue or green, you may need to apply more coats to achieve an even finish. Let the paint dry completely between coats to ensure the best results. You can use a hairdryer on a low setting to speed up the drying process, but be careful not to overheat the glue holding the plane together.
For a truly unique design, you can use painter's tape to mask off certain areas of the plane before painting. This will allow you to create stripes, patterns, or even a two-tone colour scheme. Just be sure to press down the tape firmly to avoid any paint seeping underneath. Remove the tape immediately after painting, while the paint is still wet, for clean lines.
With these simple steps, you can create a colourful and personalised electric toy plane that your child will adore.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use foamboard, balsa, or pine wood to build your plane. You will also need a motor, battery, and ESC (Electronic Speed Controller).
First, create a scale drawing of your design. Then, translate the plans to your chosen material. Cut and assemble the fuselage, wings, and tail section, using glue or screws to secure the pieces together. Finally, add the electronics, such as the motor and battery.
The wing length should be about 5-6 times its width. The length of the fuselage should be about 70-75% of the wing length. The distance from the leading edge of the wing to the propeller should be about 15% of the wingspan. The horizontal stabilizer should be placed at a distance of about 3 times the chord of the wing and should be about 25% of the wing area.
