Quote:
Originally Posted by Algebraist
Mike
What a really nice idea. Very interesting project and looking forward to the report of the flight.
Just wondering, does the shape of the space shuttle lend itself to be a possible kite?
Regards
Kevin
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Yes, the shuttle is on the list! The whole bottom will be a nice sail. Probably a quick build design can be made.
I'm cheating a bit, to loose weight only doing partial fuselage shape. Basically an outline that covers the fiberglass spine. So not sure if it will have a full fuselage or not.
The F106 does have a fuselage, but it created issues when hooking the bridle up, tore a path to its natural location, bond paper doesn't hold up well, are just a couple of problems.
For the F22 doing the sail and then the fiberglass spine inside a "profile" shape of the fuselage. Don't know if it will work or even look good. Will be working on it later today.
Modifying a model of the F4 Phantom into the next kite. This one has a total of 6-paints already done, so decided to turn it into a kite next.
New issue is the height of the tail, the fiberglass spine will not be a benefit at all. After several thoughts on what to do, bam, the answer is to
"sandwich" a couple of pieces of carbon fiber flat bar between two sheets of cardstock, using 3M 77 glue to hold everything together.
This F4 kite is 85" long with a 58" wingspan. Lots of carbon fiber in this one.
Thinking of doing the Playboy Bunny paint first, here is a photo of the small rubber band launch glider. Basically just scaling these up and re-drawing as required to turn into a kite. For these F4's had to re-draw the wing and re-paint everything to break it up for easier printing. The fuselage pro-file is the same on the kites!
Planned to finish the F22, but, the idea of the F4 as the next kite, ended up down the path of spending most of yesterday and today re-doing the F4's into kites ready for printing. For the first time in a long while excited about designing again.
Eventually, as I learn more, there will be a SR71 Blackbird Kite. It will be the biggest of them all! Lots of challenges to get it in the air!
Mike