Flight Simulation
For several years I'm using my computer to simulate flying to improve my flying skills. It saved me a lot of money with avoided crashes. More than a decade ago I have used Microsoft Flight Simulator to try to get a better immersion of real-life flying. Only a few years ago Virtual Reality succeeded more or less to bring this VR immersion.
RC Simulation
I use a Spektrum DX6 transmitter to Fly RC models on my computer. The connection between this transmitter and and USB port is achieved wireless by a RX2SIM Wireless Multi-Sim Adapter (USB2SYS) from RCware together with a Spektrum AR610 receiver. For RC simulation of helicopters I using the HeliX Simulator and for Airplanes I use Aerofly RC8.
Welcome to RC Flying
Welcome to the world of Radio-Controlled helicopters and airplanes. A wonderful hobby! For some years now, I fly with RC-helicopters and airplanes. I like to modify and build scale RC-models. I particularly like the technical challenges of improving and developing some "aerial concepts" to obtain a better, safer, and reliable working RC-model. Here you will find some photos and information. Videos are added to my YouTube channel.
Model Y
For my fourth printed RC plane is the Model Y from Eclipson. I would like to use this plane in the future for some camera work and/or FTV testing. This plane is also printed in PETG except for the landing gears and servo holders who were printed in ASA. I tried to limit the higher density of PETG leading to higher wing load by enlarging the main wing span to 1.2m.
PT-17 Stearman
For my third printed RC plane, I chose this Stearman to test single layer printing in PETG. PETG print filament is similar to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) but with enhanced properties due to the addition of glycol. Has an excellent layer adhesion, warp resistance, reduced shrinkage, high water-resistant, high temperature resistant, is rather flexible, and has high impact resistance.
Maripi 3D Acro
This RC Acro Airplane was my second printed RC airplane. The Maripi is also an RC airplane designed by Kraga. To experiment further with the 3D printed airplanes, I choose to make the second plane in another material HIPS - High Impact Polystyrene. The combination of printed HIPS with carbon struts, covering film, lightweight design, and the fuselage with carbon reinforcement has proven to be successful.
Kodo glider
This glider was my first attempt to print an RC airplane. When looking on the Internet for 3D printed RC airplanes I was charmed with the design of the Kraga Kodo, with the combination of carbon struts, covering film, lightweight design, and the compact fuselage with carbon tail. Because of the rather low deformation temperature of PLA, and limited UV resistance, I used the white and black Polymaker Polylight ASA filament. ASA is light UV improved ABS with higher temperature resistance before deformation.
MPX Glider
The Multiplex Heron is a high-performance electric glider with its efficiently designed t-tail, four-flap wing and streamlined fuselage bring precision to a broad spectrum of flying. Whether you enjoy lofty thermal soaring, high-speed aerial adventure, or spirited aerobatics, the Heron delivers the flying experience you crave.
B-24 Liberator
The Second World War Bomber "Liberator" is one of the most recognizable WWII aircraft of all time. Serving in every theater of that global conflict, the B-24 fought to bring its brave crews home through unimaginable danger. With humility and reverence, Flightline has introduced the world’s first foam electric B-24 Liberator, in remembrance of the crews who gave the ultimate sacrifice and those who carry on its memory.T-28 Trojan
The North American Aviation T-28 Trojan is a piston-engined military trainer aircraft used by the United States Air Force and United States Navy beginning in the 1950s. Besides its use as a trainer, the T-28 was successfully employed as a counter-insurgency aircraft, primarily during the Vietnam War. It has continued in civilian use as an aerobatics and Warbird performer. The FMS 1400mm T-28 Yellow Navy Trojan V4 is a warbird with gentle flight characteristics and can be used as an RC-trainer plane.
Spitfire Mk IX
The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most popular warbirds in history. This British single-seat fighter was used famously by the Royal Air Force and the Allies, earning distinction during the Battle of Britain and throughout World War II. Over 20,300 aircraft were produced with more than 24 variants. The Spitfire’s versatility and maneuverability in the hands of skilled pilots made it a lethal weapon against Axis forces. The timeless Spitfire continues to fly in modern times as a tribute to aviation history and military veterans. FlightLine RC’s 1600mm wingspan Spitfire Mk.IXc is approximately 1/7 scale.
P-38L Lightning
The Flightline RC P-38L wingspan 1600mm is based on the legendary P-38 “Lightning” revolutionized aviation history in World War II. Designed by a skilled team of engineers led by Clarence Johnson and Hal Hibbard, the P-38 was the only American fighter that was continually produced from before Pearl Harbor in 1941 to after the Japanese surrender in 1945. Over 9,900 P-38s were built, 3,810 of which were the superior P-38L variant. Revered by its foes as the “fork-tailed devil”, the P-38 excelled as a fighter, interceptor, reconnaissance platform and was also use as a long-range escort to Berlin during the last year of the war in Europe.
P-47D Thunderbolt
The Republic P-47 ‘Razorback’ Thunderbolt was an outstanding fighter, both in the bomber escort and ground-attack roles. It was the largest and heaviest single-engine fighter built during WW2. This is a highly scaled, lightweight RC-controlled model from FMS. The P-47 Razorback 1500mm adds a slew of innovations to a proven platform. Based on the original 1400mm P-47, the 1500mm model features a 99% scaled control surface, landing gear cover, cockpit interiors, plastic cowling, gun turrets, retracted landing gear, and panel lines.
B-17G Flying Fortress
Second World War Bomber B-17G based on the silver version 2 from HobbyKing with a 1.85 m span. This plane is called “Little Ukkie” and is based on “Chuckie” and “The Short Arm” both planes witch flew In England 1944 with the 486th Bomb Group from the eight Air force.
P-47D Thunderbolt
WW II Warbird Thunderbolt P-47D from Eflite with a bubble canopy, olive green with D-day stripes on the bottom. A fighter aircraft produced by the United States between 1941–1945. Its primary armament was eight .50-caliber machine guns and in the fighter-bomber ground-attack role, it could carry five-inch rockets or a bomb load of 2,500 pounds.
A-10 Warthog
Warbird (Irak and Afghanistan) jet A-10 Warthog Thunderbird II from Freewing with 2×12 blades 64 mm EDF. This is a single-seat, twin turbofan engine, straight wing jet aircraft developed by Fairchild-Republic for the United States Air Force (USAF). Commonly referred to by its nicknames Warthog or Hog.
MPX Fun Cub
Started flying again with RC planes (after some 20 years) with the Multiplex Fun Cub. One of the first great things about this plane is it's 55-inch size (1.4m). The wings come off and on in about 2 or 3 minutes. The plane is very versatile and perfect for just about any field. It can take off in a few meters. Landings are easy with or without using the flaps.
SA-315B Lama
Converted an Align Trex 550L Dominator in an Aérospatiale Lama SA 315B using Hirobo parts. The original Aérospatiale SA 315B Lama is a French single-engined helicopter developed to meet hot and high operational requirements of the Indian Armed Forces. The Lama possesses exceptional high altitude performance. On 21 June 1972, the type established a helicopter absolute altitude record of 12,442 m (40,814 ft), a record that remained unbroken as of January 2017.
Hughes 500MD
Converted an Align Trex 450 Plus to a scale Hughes 500MD. Using Heli Artist fuselage and Xcopter rotor head. The successful Hughes 500/MD 500 series began life in response to a U.S. Army requirement for a light observation helicopter. The improved Hughes 500D became the primary model in 1976, with a more powerful engine and a T-tail. McDonnell Douglas acquired Hughes Helicopters in January 1984.
SAB Goblin 570
A SAB Heli Division Goblin 570 Red Carbon Edition. The Goblin 570 is a high-performance radio-controlled helicopter. The design is original, moving away from traditional schemes, searching rationality for simplicity. The goal of the SAB Heli Division company was to create a simple, high-performance 3D helicopter, with a minimum of mechanical components.
Hughes Schweizer
Changed an old Eolo Spirit M8 to a Hughes 300C Schweizer. The original Sikorsky S-300 (formerly Hughes 300 and Schweizer 300) family of light utility helicopters was originally produced by Hughes Helicopters. Later manufactured by Schweizer Aircraft, the basic design has been in production for almost 50 years. The single main rotor and piston-powered S-300 is mostly used as a cost-effective platform for training and agriculture.
Small 3D Helis
Started flying 3D with Blade Nano, Blade MCPX bl, and Trex 150. Stepped up to Align Trex 450 plus DFC, an Align Trex 450 Dominator, and an Align Trex 550L Dominator. Learning to fly, I have followed the method described in the Helifreak Forum by Archmachau. From Tail-in to all 8s and funnels in 6 months. I use the Heli-X simulator and real-life flying first with the small radio-controlled helicopters from Blade and Align.