Simple cessna 172 swappable (Cloud Dancer)

by 81zapper | June 19, 2015 | (12) Posted in Projects

This is a quick Article about a 172 stlye Swappable Cessna that I built. I have named it Cloud Dancer for when it goes into mass production :)

It is a very simple build with only dtf. There are no rounded or curved parts to worry about just foam board all straight cuts and folds. No poster board to deal with as I just can't seem to get a a nice clean fit with any of my builds with it. The plane flies great for a newbie like myself ( I've been doing this for 3 summers now , is that still a newbie?) . I have made a couple now and they both fly well. I have also got an area on the plans for flaps but have yet to try that

Simple straight forward fuse optional rudder shown. I used this tail on one plane with no rudder control for just bank and yank flying

Ready for some dancing

TEST FLIGHT

oh well back to the drawing board

The plane above is the one in the oops video wing is now glued to fuse for added strength

This is a better flight

Plans are available below for the flite test community.They are also on Ebay if you really really need to donate :)

Cessna 172 Wing tiled

Cessna 172 fuse tiled

Specs.

emax 2212 980 kv motor

9x6 prop

20 amp esc

1300 mah battery

9 gr servo

gift card control arms

You can also see other ideas of mine on my Bentech RC facebook page or RC Canuck youtube Channel for flight videos

Currently working on a web page with my designs plus more to come go to http://www3.sympatico.ca/pd.bender

COMMENTS

Desert Wings on June 25, 2015

Good looking, good flying plane....good job.
Did you make your landing gear out of pallet strap type metal?
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81zapper on June 25, 2015

Thank you very much and yes it is pallet metal strapping works good on these light planes has a little spring to it
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Rookie_1 on June 25, 2015

Looks great. I will have to build this some time.

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PeterGregory on June 25, 2015

Nice addition to the community designs.
What is the wingspan, weight, and did you contemplate ailerons and even flaps?
that is a pretty strong motor - you have the plane well-trimmed.
Maybe post some tech details - great looker, great flyer, nice job.
Cheers,
Poughkeepsie Pete
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Thanks the wing span 36" have know idea on weight . It does have ailerons just can't see them in the pictures and flaps are on the plans but I haven't tried them yet
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Roger that - great news on all items.
Cheers,
Peter
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scott firman on June 26, 2015

I love this style plane.I would like to add a hood Cowell.I have been experimenting with plastic milk cartons.The plastic is really flexible and light weight.by lightly scoring it on one side I can get a more permanent fold in it.I think this would make an excellent cowell.
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81zapper on June 29, 2015

Let me know if you do it. Would love to see it with the cowl
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jrvalentin62 on June 29, 2015

Thanks for the plans. Great Job! Cheers!
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yazooligan on June 30, 2015

I'd love to do this build but I'm confused as to how to fold the wings over. Are there spars? I don't see any on the plans.

Also the description says "swappable" but does that mean swappable with other Flite Test planes? The power pod on the Cessna plans looks smaller than the FT Power Pod. It's a little misleading.

A little more detail in the description or a build video (or even just more pictures of the build process) would go very far in inspiring me to tackle this build.
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81zapper on July 1, 2015

The spars are on page 3.3 and 3.4 on the wing tiled plan . It is put together like most flitetest wings . The flitetest power pod should fit I just made my own without the tabs as they are not required and just cut off the angle at the end . I can send you a detailed build but it will be a while as I am currently working on two other projects but will help you where ever I can
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That should be 3.3 and 4.3 for pages on odd drawing for spars Sorry about that
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NoUsername on July 17, 2015

81zapper, outstanding design. Nice lines and simple design, was there any down thrust on the motor? And what was the length of the fuselage? Are you working on a short kit and will it be in a speed kit design?
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81zapper on July 17, 2015

Thanks for your enthusiasm appreciate it . As far as thrust angles no it is all just straight mounting . The fuse is 24.5 inches long not including rudder. As far as a kit is concerned it will be a speed build type idea, with all the parts needed minus electrical . It would come with all foam board required plus motor mount and bbq skewers. It would all be hand cut as I do not have a lazer cutter . I still have not decided whether to cut all the parts out completely or just cut through 75 %
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Tri blades on July 17, 2015

I want to buld one
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CAN THIS RUN ON FT POWER PACK C

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81zapper on July 18, 2015

I looked into it and the power pack motor should be ok The motors in the pictures are a GF2215-20 motor . This motor is slight less powerful than the power pack one by 20 watts and weighs .4 oz less. I have two planes built and they both fly well with the 2215 and the motor in the specs
Regards
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Tri blades on July 20, 2015

Thx
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NathanStephenisboss on July 22, 2015

I love cessnas and this one is simple yet looks great. Nice job!
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Gede Arta on July 23, 2015

Where is CG ????
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81zapper on July 24, 2015

On the plane with landing gear the cg is on the first spar past leading edge
The plane with no landing gear the cg is 1 inch after leading edge
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andyman723 on August 4, 2015

so you just used the regular power pod what size battery?
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81zapper on August 4, 2015

Yes the regular power pod will fit
I used a 3 cell 1300 mah battery and placed it at the very front for best cg
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magicmerlin on August 3, 2016

Cessna 172 (Skyhawk) have always been my favorite planes next to the 152 (Aerobat).
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dmpete316 on September 27, 2016

Great job creating the Cessna 172. By far one of my favorite planes. The plane appears to handle quite well watching the videos. One comment on design: the wheel struts appear to be a bit to tall. How would the design work if you cut them down by half (personal preference)?
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Simple cessna 172 swappable (Cloud Dancer)

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Simple cessna 172 swappable (Cloud Dancer)

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