V-tail Baby Smash Drone

by CStence | July 29, 2013 | (5) Posted in Projects

This plane is a “baby” version of the SB Smash Drone that I built for my son, Daniel. He likes to read Winnie the Pooh and I figured he’d get a kick out of a plane that looked like “Tigger.” The bright splashy paint scheme was fun! 

Everything on the Baby Smash Drone is smaller. However, I also experimented with removing paper to save weight. To try to replace some of the lost strength I put packing tape everywhere I removed paper; unfortunately packing tape doesn’t stick as well to foam and I was not very impressed. Further, after a few crashes the foam starts breaking down pretty quick! However, I've gotten lots of flight time out of it and still have it!

All in all, I was fairly happy with the results. While this was not a “swappable,” I used much of the same components I might use in one, except everything was as light as I could get it. I also used Hobby King’s Donkey 1550kv motor which is cheap and light but only produces about half the thrust of a Turnigy D2822/14 1450KV with the same battery and prop. Even so, the Baby Tiger Drone performed admirably, leading me to believe the weight saving attempts helped offset the weaker power system.

One of the most fun things about this build was experimenting with V-tails. I bought the cheap ($3-4US) Turnigy V-tail mixer so I wouldn’t have to mess with programming my transmitter.  Aside from the challenge of researching proper V-tail angles and so on, a V-tail kept the elevator off the ground (no tailwheel) and looked super cool!

Interesting things about this build?

  • I experimented with different ways to save weight on this plane which was enlightening! 
    • Build Smaller
    • Remove Paper
  • I also played around with brushing on cheap Acrylic paint from my local Walmart as opposed to misting spray paint or using an airbrush. (See a Baby Blender Stearman painted this way here.)
  • However, one of the most intriguing things was the design and flight of a V-tail aircraft.
Spec Sheet:

COMMENTS

alibopo on September 16, 2013
Brilliant - love it! My only comment (which I think applies to a few of the crash drones) is to get the CG forward. A lot of these planes seem to fly high-alpha with a tendency to climb to a stall or near stall as they accelerate out of turns. I think the motor is working harder in these semi-stall flight modes and that getting the CG forward would level the plane out, reduce drag and allow a more uniform flight experience.
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gsgraber92 on September 18, 2013
I love the Smash Drone. My son (9) and I both built one. We had a little trouble getting CG right without adding a bunch of weight, but once we did we had a lot of fun flying them. I have built four of these now. I just finished up on number four as a matter of fact and I built this last one with a V-tail. I redesigned the back end to be made completely out of foamboard in hopes to save weight (AUW 514g). My first version for some reason was much heavier. I have hopes of getting her up tomorrow (weather permitting).
We built the Fogey and enjoyed flying it. I was looking for a pusher type plane for my son to learn on. The Drone has a much sportier look. Thanks for coming up with this fun design!
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CStence on September 26, 2013
So glad you and your son are having loads of fun. My son and daughter have both enjoyed being "bombed" with foamy footballs from the Smash Drone :)
BTW, I'd be interested in pictures of your foamboard tail. Regarding weight, I believe on our heaviest SD, sporting a crash-proof basswood rod, it took a 114g battery to get the CG "perfect" - at the apex of the wing. I've found that aft CG is no problem though - the long fuselage makes for a wide CG envelope. Happy flying!
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eagle4 on September 16, 2013
I really like these smash drones. I also love how you're constantly tweaking it and working with it. keep it up :)
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V-tail Baby Smash Drone