3D-printed fixed-wing aircraft from design through maiden flight. Covers motor, ESC, and servo selection, center-of-gravity calculations, wing loading analysis, and RC radio integration. The complete build process and flight test are documented in the video below.
PLA-printed fuselage and wing sections assembled with CA glue and reinforced at stress points. Allows rapid prototyping of airframe modifications and repairs without waiting for foam or balsa kits.
Center of gravity positioned at 25-30% Mean Aerodynamic Chord for stable flight. Wing loading calculated to ensure adequate lift at target airspeed while keeping stall speed manageable for park flying.
Motor KV, propeller pitch/diameter, ESC rating, and battery C-rating matched for target thrust-to-weight ratio. Aim for 1.2-1.5:1 for sport flying with adequate climb performance.
Aileron, elevator, rudder, and throttle channels with servo throws tuned by expo and dual-rate settings. Failsafe configured to cut throttle and set slight up-elevator on signal loss.
| Component | Specification | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Airframe | 3D-Printed PLA | Fuselage and wing structure |
| Motor | Brushless Outrunner | Propulsion |
| ESC | 30A+ BLHeli | Motor speed control |
| Servos | 9g Micro Servos | Control surface actuation |
| Battery | 3S LiPo | Onboard power |
| Radio | TX/RX System | Remote control |
| Propeller | Matched to Motor KV | Thrust generation |