FT Mustang - Build

by FliteTest | May 7, 2014 | (51) Posted in How To

FTScratchBuild-Advanced

the free plans are available below as well! 

 If you want to pick up a speed-build kit head on over to the web store! Otherwise, you can download the free plans at the link below.  


FREE Build Plans:
FT Mustang [FULL]
FT Mustang [TILED]

Equipment used in this build:
FT Control Horns
NTM Prop Drive Series 28-26A 1200kv / 250w
Hextronic 9 Gram Servo 
TURNIGY Plush 25amp Speed Controller
Turnigy 1800mAh 3S 20C Lipo Pack
Linkage Stopper "Speed Clevis"
.81mm piano wire (push rods)
Futaba T8FG Super 14ch Transmitter w/R6208SB 2.4GHz Receiver
Futaba R6106HFC 2.4GHz FASST Mid Range 6Ch Rx


Additional/Alternate components:
Flite Test Combo Flight Packs with everything you need available at www.altitudehobbies.com


Thank you to the entire community for making projects like this possible.

Let us know how your build went or if you have any tips or comments, chat it up in the forums!


- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

Related Articles

FT Swappable - Power Pod Build

by FliteTest

FT Mustang

by FliteTest

FT Spitfire - Build

by FliteTest

COMMENTS

nerdnic on May 8, 2014
Awesome! Thanks guys! Going to get started on this very soon. I will scale the plans and make a 800mm version of this!
Log In to reply
LordVader on May 8, 2014
Can't wait to build this and your version. So many great planes and good people here to further this hobby. Great time to be in this hobby. Thanks to everyone.
Log In to reply
ZATGamer on May 8, 2014
AWESOME!!! Grid lines on the Plans!!! Thank you!
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 8, 2014
If only the grid lines were on the untiled plans as well...
I know the untiled plans are suposed to be just that, but with the difference in paper sizes (letter vs A4) im kinda worried that my printout from the tiled plans might be missing a few bits.
Oh well, no choice but to try it out and report on what the results are.
Log In to reply
ZATGamer on May 8, 2014
The full sheet plans had the grid this morning but didn't have the canopy.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 9, 2014
Here's hoping for another update, then, because my printer just doesn't cut it (hah!) for the letter sized tiled plans.
I should really find someone to print my plans for me... all this experimentation is turning me into a tree-killer.
Log In to reply
gadgetmerc on May 8, 2014
I recommend peeling the paper off both sides of the 'down thrust' piece. I have had problems with the barbecue skewers causing it to delaminate after a crash. Hot glue bonding foam on foam has completely mitigated that problem. Just a quick tip.

Thanks again for the amazing plane.
Log In to reply
RedheadBarron on September 24, 2015
thanks!!! awesome tip!
Log In to reply
teteorp on May 8, 2014
Oh man. I´m so excited about this plane. The mustang is my favorite!! My vacations are gonna be awesome!!! I´m going to build the FT-22, FT-Mustang and a quadcopter!! And the world cup is happening in Brazil!!! This is going to be the best vacation EVER!!! Thanks guys!!!
Log In to reply
Freaky_1 on May 8, 2014
Oh no! I have an extra "park 480" size 1100kv motor and esc. Well I guess it's not extra any more. :D
Log In to reply
Mustangfan on May 8, 2014
Flitetest you guys are great I have only recently started the air side of RC and look to your sight for guidance and how to. Thank you for the work you do!
Log In to reply
rcflyer729 on May 8, 2014
I am just about done with my p 51 and I don't see the canopy in the plans.
Log In to reply
ZATGamer on May 8, 2014
The plans don't have the canopy... Can we get the plans for that also?
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 8, 2014
The canopy occupies most of page 23 and some of page 24 of the tiled plans.
I've also seen it on the untiled plans.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 8, 2014
Oops. I meant page 12 and 13. silly me.
Log In to reply
ZATGamer on May 8, 2014
They updated the plans, the Plans they had this morning did not have the canopy.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 9, 2014
Good to know. Hooray for the quick update then.
Log In to reply
rakista08 on May 8, 2014
Canopy?
Log In to reply
LordVader on May 8, 2014
Look at the full size plans, the canopy is at the top/center of them. Don't know about the tiled set.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 8, 2014
As stated above, it's on page 12 and 13 of the tiled plan set.
Log In to reply
ZATGamer on May 8, 2014
They updated the plans, the Plans they had this morning did not have the canopy.
Log In to reply
tma450 on May 8, 2014
O its on now. Booya
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 8, 2014
Enjoyed the build video, as always.Thanks for making the plans available.
Log In to reply
Jaxx on May 8, 2014
FT Crew,
Do you guys mind listing the size of the piano wire that was used for the landing gear in the "Equipment used in this build:" list? Thanks for what you guys are doing for this hobby. It's much appreciated!
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 9, 2014
Pretty sure I saw 0.8mm wire mentioned somewhere. That would amount to about 1/32"
Log In to reply
WombatControl on May 9, 2014
I believe it's 2mm piano wire or thereabouts. 0.8mm would be suitable for pushrods.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 10, 2014
Whoa... Where were my reading skills when I answered that one.?
.8mm is for pushrods, that's right.
The size for the landing gear that Josh mentioned in the Video was 1/10", so round about 2.5mm
Log In to reply
Jaxx on May 25, 2014
Thanks guys.
Log In to reply
sailorJohn on May 8, 2014
I don't see how the dihedral was accomplished. Is it how the wings are cut or just by gluing the wings together at a angle with the paper overlap covering the void on the bottom?
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 9, 2014
If you look closely at the inboard edges of the wing you will notice that the to surface isn't cut in a straight line, but silightly concave.
This means that the upper surface of the wing is a little shorter that the lower, which results in the desired dihedral.
Other designs, like the duster and the simple soarer rely on smaller cuts, then crushing the top surface foam slightly to get to the needed length for the correct angle to form.
Log In to reply
Luiz carlos matias on May 9, 2014
Hello everyone FL TEST my name is Luiz carlos live in rio de janeiro'm a fan of you guys want to congratulate and thank the projects that you create all of them are very good,
I liked the Mustang, I have the 3 d designed for you and in a few days I will ride the Mustang and it also very cool and fast! like a power visitálos day and know all the hugs fliter atodos test!
Log In to reply
Mustangfan on May 9, 2014
One comment/Tip...I have found that if you utilize one of the wood skewers to clean out the cavity areas it is clean with no chance of accidental cut through the paper side of the foam board.
Log In to reply
tp1777 on May 9, 2014
Could you guys please put the grid lines back on full size plan?
The plane looks amazing!
Thanks.
Log In to reply
Acarlos on May 9, 2014
Grid lines should be only on tile plans! I hate them on full size!
:(
Log In to reply
Acarlos on May 16, 2014
Ok, now Flitetest correct the grid lines (they were too dark), maybe they could use them also in full size. The first full size I´ve downloaded had terrible dark gride lines, It was realy dificult to see the lines from plane. That was the reason I said I hate them in full size.
I would apprettiate to have them also in old Tiled plans like FT-3D, FT-Versa, etc.

Log In to reply
joneill4 on May 9, 2014
Looks like I need to upgrade to fly this one. What motors will you guys put on this plane?
Log In to reply
Jaxx on May 12, 2014
I will be using this motor on mine:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__34108__D2826_10_1400kv_Brushless_Motor_US_Warehouse_.html
Log In to reply
TexasFPV on May 9, 2014
While I found the grid lines extremely helpful for lining up the tiles, what would be even more helpful (in combination with the grid lines) would be a registration marks that align when you overlap the tiles, similar to the link. http://draftingmanuals.tpub.com/14066/css/14066_69.htm


Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 10, 2014
You can always print the full size plans as a Poster. that will give you the option to turn on alignment marks and even allow for some overlap. I'm currently trying yet another different method of putting the tiles together. I'll probably put it on the forums if it works
Log In to reply
TexasFPV on May 10, 2014
I have considered this, but it appears that Acrobat Reader doesn't always align the tiles in the most efficient manner (e.g. fewest tiles) for a particular part. Is there a way to select just a portion I want printed from the full size plans?
Log In to reply
willpall on May 13, 2014
Yes. It takes a little finagling. Zoom the drawing and resize the window until just the part you want printed is showing. In the Adobe print dialog, under "Pages to Print", there's a little arrow for More Options. Click on that and select Current View.

I do this all the time to break the plans up into separate parts. e.g. 4 pages for the wing section, 3 pages for the fuselage, etc.
Log In to reply
tp1777 on May 10, 2014
The thing is that I and probably many others print full size plans on A3 or A2 printer instead of printing loads A4 tiles and then grid lines are extremely helpful. Even with overlap and cropping marks printer doesn’t always print in the same place on the paper it depends how it grabs the paper. Even if you print the same image few times it won’t be in the same spot on the paper and the line-up won’t be perfect either. Home printers are not very precise in one word. And as you probably know 1mm off on one side of the wing can make the whole difference on the other side.

On the other side I can’t see why the grid lines or other marks on the plans can upset anybody. They are just marks on the plans they are not going to stay on the plane. Anyway I think that there more pros than cons. Let’s make a vote shall we :)
Log In to reply
achilles on May 10, 2014
I plan on going to office depot to have the full size plans printed,so do I tell them to print it at 100% scale. Doing this is on the expensive side so I want to get it wright the first time.
Log In to reply
Corbarrad on May 11, 2014
Office depot and staples do have dependencies over here in germany.
When I went there, though the answer was "Yes, we can print your file for you. up to an amazing DIN a3 format!"...
Needless to say I gave em a pat on the back and went home with a packet full of pins and a roll of clear tape.
Log In to reply
Jaxx on May 12, 2014
Yes. 100% scale is what you need. Ask for engineering prints. They are done in black and white, but work just the same, and will be your cheapest option. Have them measure the scale on the plan with a ruler to make sure the plan is the right size. Also, be aware, if you can find a mom & pop print shop, you will likely get the same job done at a much cheaper price. I used to have mine done at Staples. It was 55 cents a square foot. The locally owned print shop I use now does them for 15 cents a square foot.
Log In to reply
Mustangfan on May 14, 2014
I notice you do not utilize the foam wheels from the kit. What size do you recommend in place of the faom wheels?
Log In to reply
DRieman on May 14, 2014
Now that you have a P-51 done. New horizontal stab, new wing center section, and a second fuse = F-82. Coming soon??
Log In to reply
DFX2KX on July 8, 2014
I saw one on their back wall... I bet you can take two kits and make one no problem...

I'd try it if I had a printer that worked.
Log In to reply
Starjock on May 16, 2014
Ok, now that we have three P-51s to choose from, we need a shoot-out to highlight the positive and negative aspects of the three designs when pitted against each other. What comes to mind off hand is:

1. The obligatory air-to-air combat
2. Running an obstacle course
3. Possibly a pylon race course

As a baseline, each of the three designs should have the same electronics, since the testing is of the airframe design, not the power systems.

The other two P-51 designs I am referencing were done by Filken and Jason Eric Anderson.

Log In to reply
achilles on May 18, 2014
I have been trying to print the plans at full size but both Staples an Office Depot said they couldn't do it without knowing the dimensions. The inch scale on the plans would not measure correctly. It was either under one inch or over.Any helpful hints would be appreciated.
Log In to reply
cbarnes0061 on May 22, 2014
When ever I have a set of plans printed and need to know the size I open up the PDF file click print, then switch it to poster format and it will tell you the deminsions above the preview.
Log In to reply
Bladerunnerxrc on May 20, 2014
Is the landing gear wire supposed to be in the speed build kit? It was not in mine. Oh well, I went out and bought some 1/32 piano wire.
Log In to reply
awalsh134 on June 2, 2014
how many sheets of foam does it take? and what size prop?
Log In to reply
SkyMatthew on April 20, 2016
Jea guys.... The plane, the Video, the website... All is soo awesome! Thank you!
But one question: which is the material? depron 3mm?

Thank you for a answer!!
Log In to reply
Claymanpv on June 11, 2014
Why is the full size plan on 2 pages? It doubles the cost when submitting to Staples online for printing.
Log In to reply
alpha99025 on June 15, 2014
When you made the power pod for this what orientation did you you for the receiver and esc did you put them in the front or the back
Log In to reply
Mohanned on July 8, 2014
What battery should i use with the 1200 kv motor?
note: i really like long flight times - See more at:

Log In to reply
Mohanned on July 10, 2014
how many foam boards is it

Log In to reply
Mohanned on July 10, 2014
What prop size should i use with this motor?http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__17345__NTM_Prop_Drive_Series_28_26A_1200kv_286w.html
Log In to reply
stumpy66 on July 24, 2014
Mohanned, use this to calculate the prop size http://flbeagle.rchomepage.com/software/webocalc_1.5.2/html/webocalc_imperial.html
Log In to reply
fxfoley on September 5, 2014
I have built the FT Flyer and FT Delta. I can handle them OK. I am a beginner flyer so my question is: Which of these two will be easier to fly. Mustang or Spitfire???
Log In to reply
flyininthewind on September 10, 2014
These swappables are a lot of fun... I like the Mustang, but wanted to build one, but didn't want to have to go buy a new motor to fly this one... SO, I modified the FT Duster and scaled down the Mustang wings and created my own version, the FT DusTang... check it out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yz6FlkbQwuA
Log In to reply
flyininthewind on September 10, 2014
One comment on the landing gear.... I had issues with it pulling up the paper and tearing away if I landed in grass. I don't know if I just didn't get it deep enough into the foam, but with the wood block behind them, I thought of a solid fix. I drilled a small hole on each side of the leading edge of the wire, through the wood, and then worked a small zip tie through and cinched it down on the gear wire. Should not have to worry about that problem any longer. Just a thought if you have had this issue.
Log In to reply
elwookienator on June 15, 2015
I agree on needing a landing gear solution, I will try @flyinthewind's suggestion then get back at ya. cheep and incredibly fun flight btw. Already more in love with this build then any other I have done
Log In to reply
BarendLombard on September 16, 2014
Hi guys awesome web series. Im from South Africa and here people aren't that exited to help you in a hobby shop please help. i bought a hydrofoam plane for my first plane but it is so difficult to fly. now im build the FT mustang but im struggling with the measurements from the free build plans, how does it work do i need to print it to scale or how does it work. Thanks again for the awesome videos. much love from S.A
Log In to reply
Hack73 on September 27, 2014
Will this motor work for this plane?
http://www.exceedrc.com/63m15.html

I compared it to this motor below which is recommended:
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewitem.asp?idproduct=26820&aff=247441

The max current is lower for the Exceed motor and a hair lighter.

Log In to reply
GreyParkAce on December 8, 2014
Beautiful designs! I would love to see you guys come out with an FT P40 Warhawk!!!
Log In to reply
dhaakinson221 on January 3, 2015
Can i use a 2200 mah 3 cell 20c battery with this plane??
Log In to reply
bricksdraft on February 23, 2015
I am thinking about putting on retractable landing on this plane. Would you think that this would be possible ? HK has some that are 29g, and 54x32x21 in size, with 3mm wire. Could this be tested or has been done ? Neal
Log In to reply
DarrenCDN on April 19, 2015
I had previously built the FT Duster, which is now in the garbage so I have a motor I can use, will the Grand Turbo GT2215/09 work for the FT Mustang?
Log In to reply
crashman on June 17, 2015
Those grid lines make it nearly impossible to see the plans, I usually print full size from a local print shop for about 5 dollars, the grid just gets in the way.
Log In to reply
crashman on June 17, 2015
Ok dont know how that works, but the grid lines do not show up when printing full size plans, just when viewing here, but thats a good thing.
Log In to reply
marxbruder on July 17, 2015
for putting together the tiled plans, that grid is priceless!

Log In to reply
LucsTb-20 on June 28, 2015
The posterboard is use in the foam? The both sides off the foam have posterboards?
Log In to reply
marcosviudes on July 1, 2015
great work but...which is the material???
depron 3mm???
Log In to reply
nashville337 on July 18, 2015
I just did the maiden flight of my P-51 today and it flew great. I covered the top wing and fuselage with Chrome Mylar film with Red tail feathers and invasion stripes on the bottom. Using a 2826/6 2200Kv Turnigy motor and a 3 cell 2200 Lipo with a 6x4 prop. Great Stuff Guys!
Log In to reply
dbflyer007 on August 8, 2015
Today I flew my first scratch build! A FT Mustang! It isn't the prettiest example produced from the FT plans, but with my imperfections it still flew very well! I'm very excited to cut out a Bloody Wonder or Simple Storch for my wife to put together as my success has gotten her interested (love it!!). Thanks Flite Test crew and I'm happy to brag about my success on this forum, you made it happen! I'm always checking back in to see what boundaries of RC you guys are pushing. I never expected to see kitchen appliances flying in the literal sense you guys have made reality. From cutting out and taping the tiled plans to plugging in the battery before my first flight, it was great putting my Mustang together! I'm addicted to foam now!!!!
Doug
Log In to reply
RedheadBarron on September 24, 2015
What do you guys think about a Eflite Park 370 1080kv to power this one? I used this setup on my FT-Duster and it seemed ok. Is it really necessary for me to go out to buy one thats Park 400? I am a fairly new pilot that only knows how to roll and loop. So I don't want anything fast at all. My second option would be my 2212/09 - HobbyPeople 57 Gram 1250kv motor , <--- this is what I used for my FT-22 and it packed a good punch. Any advice is helpful, thanks!
Log In to reply
RedheadBarron on September 24, 2015
And also....Why did Josh put the linkage stoppers on the control horn this time? is there a reason? I already had them installed from my last build on the servo arm. Is it necessary that I change them?
Log In to reply
GrimJet88 on October 11, 2015
I grew up loving aviation always watching large jumbo jets flying overhead. It was my passion, and therefore I became a pilot. I tried getting into RC when I was a kid but crashed my plane the second I threw it in the air. I'm finally ready to get back into RC and started scratch building the FT Mustang. I've been building model planes for years but never RC planes and scratch building is a lot of fun. The plans are great, the video is even better, I have the plane all built and decaled in the 'Big Beautiful Doll' scheme and it looks pretty good for a first build. I have a second one pre-cut out and can't wait to build it too. Thanks FliteTest for all of your videos and plans 5 stars!
Log In to reply
jordy123 on December 17, 2015
Make a V2, with the same construction method as the mini p51, please. With retracts and flaps.
Log In to reply
aerogriffics on January 10, 2016
I think you'll find that the NACA duct is backwards!
Log In to reply
Nuckledragger on May 29, 2016
Help please all linage connectors are tight , there is no slipage of control rods, I am set at low rates ( 3/16 in. throw and 30% expo ) ailerons do not flap loosely,
It just continues to roll in either direction after aileron stick is returned to central position , very weird, if rolling left and correct back to right back to level flight it continues to roll right, If rolling right and corected left back to level flight it continues to roll left.
Its not a matter of trim, when I do get it to stablize it flies level but as soon as using the ailerons it does what I described
Log In to reply
mo-em on July 24, 2016
Hello Josh, I have finished it and AUW is 1080 Grams. I use this motor with 3 cell battery and 10x4.5 Prop. I measured the thrust and it recorded 980 Grams. Will it Fly? I am worried really :\.

Here is the link of the Motor: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__18225__Turnigy_D3530_14_1100KV_Brushless_Outrunner_Motor.html
Log In to reply
1rcgeek1 on August 12, 2016
A plane I would love to see you guys do is the B-25 Mitchell! My brother and I are building a few P-51s and thought it would look cool if they were escorting a bomber. You guys are better at the whole designing thing than I am. Hope to see it soon!
Log In to reply
Nakul on September 1, 2016
Hi guys, i downloaded the untiled plans, but unlike other plans this one has some kind of grid lines :/ when i view the pdf in google chrome the lines dont show but when i open the pdf in preview etc i can see all the grid lines, i usually do full size print, with those grid lines it will be impossible to cut out efficiently. any solution?
Log In to reply
archimy on October 4, 2016
Hey FT, trying to get some information about the turn radius of these scaled warbirds. I'm designing a race track for r/c fixed wing craft and struggling to get any even averaged information about physical performance beyond roll rate and max speed - those kind of things.
Log In to reply
wanabeRCexpert on November 4, 2016
how many channels is the mustang?
Log In to reply
rohingaba on February 27, 2017
Hey guys u are doing a wonderful job..its becoz of u guys only, I am able to make my dream come true of Flying a scratch build RC PLANE. though I crashed my first one..I have a Query..can I use A2212/10T 18000kv motor instead of NTM PROP drive series 28...actually its not available in my city..Do you recommend any other motor which is easly available..
Log In to reply
Hank Stroisch on May 4, 2017
Super fast build and I must say one of the better flying war birds.
Log In to reply
FLYINGICEBERG on May 26, 2017
Doe anyone know why they change the recommended prop from 9x6 to 9x4.5?
Log In to reply
8ing on January 30, 2018
hi
the links of download are corrupted.please add them.
Log In to reply
nihasyakreb on October 21, 2018
Hi,

I decided to make this model and I took the model's project.However,I don't know,how many mm will the foamboard? 3mm,4mm or 5mm ?
Log In to reply
uniondelta on October 25, 2018

Log In to reply
James Hall on June 19, 2023
I've got power pack B, can I somehow adapt it to make power pack C?
Log In to reply

You need to log-in to comment on articles.

FliteTest

(91)

FT Mustang - Build

Flite Fest Website Flite Fest Website
FliteTest Stem Website FliteTest Stem Website
FliteTest Groups Website FliteTest Groups Website