The Kolibri HIGH-ALPHA-FLYER scratch build

by Dr. Looping Looie | March 11, 2019 | (7) Posted in Projects

Are you looking for a fun airplane that really stands out from the crowd?

Then continue reading!

The original Idea for this came from Forum member Vimana89, who wanted to make a delta airplane with extreme wing sweep. I took that Idea and modified it a little. Because deltas have a CG that is extreamely far in the front, a tail motor was not possible for me. Im also not the biggest fan of prop-in-slot because of the weak structure. So I went with a top mounted pusher setup, which looks wierd, but works. Its super rigid and the prop is well protected.

The new version has a different wing shape and canards, but flies almost the same.

SPECS:

Wingspan: 52cm

Weight with 3s 600 battery: 300gramms

Powerpack: F-pack

Prop: 50/45

Battery: 3s 600mah

CG: 22cm from leading edge of the main wing


FLIGHT:

This thing flyes like your normal delta, but because of its narrow wings, it rolls extreamely quickly, you may want to use a lot of expo. Dont lower your rates or throw, you need it in high alpha flight, but dual rates could help.

Its like a delta nutball, but a little different.

Because of the canards, it doesnt like inverted too much. 

If you want to go into the high alpha mode, pull full up-elevator and then punch the throttle untill its at the angle you want. Then find the sweet spot for your throttle while still holding full up-elevator. Steer with your ailerons. To get the full performance out of it, your elevons should have a throw of 45+ degrees. 

The best way to take it off is to place it vertically in the ground and launch it like a rocket. With a bit of practice, you can land in your hand!

Is this for beginners?  

It flies pretty stable, doesnt stall, and is durable, all things that are good for beginner airplanes. On the other hand, it comes with an extreame roll rate. If you use dual rates and expo, you could fix this issue, and it would be pretty easy to fly, but that doesnt make it a good trainer (in my opinion). Its too different from your normal airplane. You need to control your throttle in the right way, and thats pretty hard for new pilots. If you fly this as your first airplane, you will need to learn completely new if you then go to a normal plane. I think its better to learn handling, throttle control and most important stall caracteristics on a standard plane first. But if you can fly, the Kolibri is a unique, fun and challenging addition to your fleet!


Check out the flight videos, there is some serious action going on!



This thing doesnt like turbulences, but If you have a calm day, this thing can fly in the tiniest places, and if the weather doesnt fit, you can fly it indoors in a gym!



Its the perfect parkflyer and an eyecatcher at every airfield. It doesnt deliver extreme performance, but it stands out in the crowd and delivers extreme fun!

BUILD PLANS:

kolibri1.pdf

kolibri2.pdf

THE BUILD:

This are all the pieces you need:

IMAG0346.jpg

 


First, make two bevel cuts and score cuts, so that you can fold these pieces inwards which will guide more air to your prop

      

  IMAG0347.jpg

 


Now, glue the powerpod doublers down

      

  IMAG0351.jpg

 


Fold your fuselage with a B-fold

      

  IMAG0352.jpg

 

      

  IMAG0353.jpg

 

      

  IMAG0354.jpg

 


Foldover the paper and Install this piece

      

  IMAG0355.jpg

 

      

  IMAG0356.jpg

 


Make your battery hatch. Trim it so that fits your build

      

  IMAG0358.jpg

 


Glue your wing on and glue the two sides together.

      

  IMAG0366.jpg

 


Glue on your canards and vertical stabelizers. Make bevel cuts on the vertical stabs so that they make a V

      

  IMAG0368.jpg

 

      

  IMAG0370.jpg

 


Now put in your electronics

      

  IMAG0374.jpg

 

      

  IMAG0376.jpg


If you are wandering why the cables are outside of the fuselage, thats just me being lazy, you can also put them unseen inside. but make sure that your connections dont come loose!

And youre ready to have fun! CG is 22cm after leading edge of the main wing!


I hope you liked this article! For more information visit the threat on the forums: https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/plans-for-the-kolibri-high-alpha-flyer.56915/page-4#post-460807

Build one, and then share it on FT fans and the forums!


Have fun!

Dr. Looping Looie

COMMENTS

TheGill on April 1, 2019
Nice seems like over surface blowing is big on those high alphas!

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Razgriz on March 24, 2019
cool design!
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The Kolibri HIGH-ALPHA-FLYER scratch build