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Ideal varies depending on speed/purpose
General Aviation (cessna): 6ish
Cargo Aircraft: 10is
Gliders: 30ish
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Construction/Materials:
Both methods require a rigid Baseplate for mounting to airframe
Aluminum plate
Carbon Sheet
3D printed
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Option
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Basics
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Possible Materials
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(+) / (-)
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1. (more composite-condusive)
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Rigid Spar
CNC cut core
recesses for electronics/mounting points
lips at recess edges to aid cover alignment
Skinning
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Spar:
carbon sheets
aluminum plate
basswood
Core:
Foam
Balsa
Skinning:
composite fabric
“Covering Film” (basically heat-shrink)
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easier to build
less hands-on experience required
minimal tools required
Cost
more materials/ CNC time required
Weight
likely heavier due to less empty space
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2. (old-fashioned RC)
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Spars & Ribs
mechanical locking features (notches)
Leading edge re-inforecement
CNC cut or hand sanded
Skinning
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Spar/Rib:
Carbon Sheet
Basswood
Reinforcement:
Balsa
Foam
3D Printed
Skinning:
Covering Film
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cost/weight
less material required for similarly sized wing
Tricky
delicate hands-on process requires certain skills and tools