We wanted to be sure the FT 3D was the best it could be before we offered it in our web store as a speed build kit.
The speed build kit and free build plans have been updated to feature key design characteristics based on the feedback from you and our own tests.
Arron Bates stopped by to review the final version of our speed build foam board swappable 3D airplane and to give us additional feedback.
A few examples of the updated FT 3D; we increased the size of the elevator and rudder, added a counter balance, decreased the size of the stabilizer, and decreased the size of the fin.
The flaps have been chamfered to offer a full range of movement.
We also added optional VG's (vortex generators) to the wings. 
These are only a few of the many improvements we've made to the FT 3D to maximize it's 3D flight characteristics and it's overall performance.
If you are interested in scratch building your own FT 3D, the free build video and plans are available here
Josh was flying the GT2215 motor from LazerToys available in the Swappable power/electronics pack.
Arron is flying the Omega 72g Brushless Outrunner which offers much more power but also created more heat.
So, we added a NACA duct to the foam board swappable!
We'd like to thank Arron Bates (of 3D HobbyShop) and our friends at Precision Aerobatics for their input, as well as the feedback we've recieved from viewers like you!
More photos and interaction in the forum post here
The laser cut speed build kit is available in our web store!
If you are interested in scratch building your own FT 3D, the build video and plans are available here.
Electronics mentioned in this episode:
3D Hobby Shop:
Omega 72g Brushless Outrunner
LazerToyz:
SWAPPABLE POWER/ELECTRONICS PACK "THE BEEF"
"THE BEEF" (Motor only) GT2210/11 55G
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Also Chad has a knack for finding property with an adjacent radio tower.
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One improvement I think you could make on video quality would be to somehow filter the car, truck and traffic noise out, if possible.
Loved the aerial
shot looking down on the plane in hover.
Keep up the good work.
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Thanks for the kind words! hope you enjoy the FT3D!
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Just checking if you could update the .pdf plans to incorporate the changes to the tail and also the shape and position of the VG's. I couldn't find the updates anywhere.
Thanks so much
Hansi
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Thanks so much
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Something for Chad;)
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The links are wrong, the beef pack and only the motor need to be switched...
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http://parkflyerplastics.com/cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=44&products_id=278
I've used many of his parts and they are exceptional. They should look to him to source canopies for the Spit and Cruiser. Make him a mold and he will for it for you. His book is a treasure as well.
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It turns out that I have a little bit of negative decalage in wing. Leading edge is about say 7mm lower than the trailing edge. I guess I wasn't paying attention to everything while trying to glue the wing in. Can I improve this error by adding some down thrust or should I revamp the rear stabilizer to match? Or both?
Thanks in advance for your wisdom;)
Hansi
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if you want knife edge flight, I would try and correct the wing (or just build another one ;) ). If you get a box cutter (the long blades with snap-off sections), a fresh blade, push the blade out as far as it will go... you should be able to flex the blade to lay it flat against the fuselage and cut the wing root from the fuselage. only cut to the wing spar, not all the way off... just enough so you can twist the wing to reglue it with the right attack angle. then cover up anything visible of the repair with stickers :) ...I can't say that I've done this exact procedure myself on an FT3D, but the long flexy blade trick is great for such times you need to cut flat against a surface.
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Thanks for the great help
Hansi
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Thanks for all the input.
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How does this plane fly with the suppo motor option?
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nice job you did with this Plane! I love 3dees
About the Vortex Generators on the bottom side: The air "flows" over the top of the wing faster (due to Bernoullis effect) than on the downside. This generates that the air pressure is lower than on the bottom. And that (partly) generates the lift needed. The Air flowing over it, is (due to the Coandă effect) "glued or sucked" unto the top of the wing. And when you do High Alfa it cannot follow the shape of the wing for a long time and the stall happens. The VG´s delay the flow separation by doing some kind of mini "tornadoes".
The air flowing under the wing does not produce lift the way the air flowing over the top does. It generates lift due to the drag of the flowing air against the wing. ------------> \ This produces far less lift than the one on the top. Therefore the VG´s are usually not used on the bottom of the wing because you dont have that "air sucking unto the surface" issue.
I hoped it helped to understand the theory.
Ben
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...but the "the air flowing under the wing does not produce lift the way the air flowing over the top does" is only partly right... in 3D flight the plane is stalled, lift is from the thrust of the prop and the stability of the airframe in deflecting airflow. VG's can help get some air to control surfaces, help departing airflows during the stall break, etc etc.
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Am I just a terrible pilot coming in to fast/steep on landings or is there a way I can avoid constantly breaking my props?
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Would there be a possible FT-3D by plane. I'm not positive but I'm willing to bet that Aaron would not mind testing and helping design a norther 3D plane. And we would love to see what you guys come up with.
PS: No body can believe that I can build a plane for less than $30 thank you guys for inspiring me to scratch build.
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What a great 3d plane for an affordable price. I hope to be able to fly like Arron someday.
Can you recommend a 72g motor from Hobby King? That would be turning a 1047 prop.
I can't wait to get started building with my kids.
Greetings from across the lake (Lake Erie that is).
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