M60

Well, it been a long time coming, but Ive finally got a new camera and can now update on the M60's progress.

Ive basically finished installing the main spar and cap in the wing, but still have to inset the rear spar.  I have decided not to install a ballast tube .  I have shaped the fuse and coated it in several layers of goop.  I will then tape it and goop it some more.  It will be covered in solartex and then gooped again, as done with the Electron.  The strength of this construction is incredible.

This M60 will not be built to be light, but to be very strong and fast.  In my experience, the M60 (as far as high performance goes) generally suffers from an insufficient wing loading to make it shine even in light lift conditions.  Sure, build it light if you want to thermal it or fly in very light lift, but thats not what we are about here at Speedfreeks. 

Although this machine will ultimately DS as well as slope, I expect the M60 is more likely to excell on the frontside with its excellent inverted capabilities for aerobatic flying, allthough the roll-rate will not match the Electron.

The spar system seems pretty strong in the wing, but after hearing reports of wings snapping during high speed DSing, I may have to consider beefing up the wings somewhat to prevent this.  This is why I have decided not to install a ballast tube.  This would only cause more stress on the centre of the wing, no doubt contributing to many of the reported failures.

Well there is plenty more work required and more contruction photos to come....hopefully not too far away.

Stay tuned.............

Here is a photo of Ben's recently rebuilt M60, with a poly-propolene foam (pool noodle) fuse.  This was then barrel wrapped with fibretape, covered in solartex and coated with 2-pac urethane epoxy, which is similiar to the stuff they use for nolethane bushes in car suspension and in skateboard wheels.  It is incredibly tuff yet quite flexible.

The wing were gooped before taping.  Then solartexed and coated with poly-urethane wooden floor varnish, which is extremely durable and provides a shiny finish.

All up weight is 1250 grams (44oz).

22 January 2006

Building has progressed to the stage where a decision has to be made about the spar construction and the general wing strength.

To increase the strength and stiffness of the wing, I have inserted carbon strips (flats) as 'I' beams top and bottom between the two standard spars, and an additional carbon flat behind the rear standard spar to help prevent flutter.

And with the servos and wiring in.

And here it is ready for its maiden flight.  All up weight is 1205 grams with the whole plane finished in solar-tex and poly-urethane wooden floor varnish.

Note the vac-bagged fin.  It was made using hand shaped balsa with 75 gsm kevlar and 3/4 oz glass veil with painted mylars.  Total weight of the fin is 20g, and it is almost unbreakable. 

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