The first thing that you are required to do here is finding the right equipment. There are quite a few considerations you need to make while selecting the right parts for the device like the type of motors you need, or the frame that will hold the aircraft together.
WHAT DO YOU NEED TO MAKE AN RC PLANE?
- THE FRAME
The most important part of the entire RC plane has to be the frame. When it comes to making an RC aircraft, choosing the right frame is the first hurdle you need to cross.In the early days of RC devices, people used wood for the frame.
Of course, times changed and so did the primary ingredient of the product. Nowadays, one of the more favored materials for this purpose is carbon fiber. In many planes, you will see that carbon fiber has been used and it actually gives a better shape to the plane as a whole.
The only issue that comes along with carbon fiber is its high cost. There is no doubt that cost does have an important role in choosing materials and parts for the plane, but if you are willing to spend a little more, then carbon fiber is the best choice.
If you can’t go over budget, there are other materials you can choose for the frame. For instance, some of the most commonly used materials for creating the airframe of RC planes are: extruded polystyrene foam also known as Styrofoam or expanded polystyrene. These are easily available materials and, of course, they are affordable.
Moreover, Depron is another material that is in demand for making the airframe of the plane. The reason most of the RC plane enthusiasts are opting for this material is its ability to mix flexibility along with rigidity which is not something that you get in common airframe materials.
In addition, this particular feature of the product allows the RC plane to absorb a lot of stress that it might encounter whilst in air. If you are building an aircraft for a beginner, then using expanded polypropylene would be a wise idea. We say this because this product is known to support any kind of abuse – and this will definitely happen if the plane goes to a beginner.
2. THE TAIL
One of the things you absolutely need to build an RC plane is the tail. For starters, the tail is used to give the flying machine proper direction while in flight. It is also responsible for making sure that the plane has the necessary stability.
Most tails used in today’s RC aircrafts support a V-shape while both the rudders and elevators have more or less similar designs. One of the reasons why people tend to choose the V-tails is the simple fact that they create lesser drag and they are lighter.
However, you will also find another type of tail in the market. This one comes in a T-shape and it’s usually found in the US. Given the importance of these parts, it would not be a bad idea to look carefully while deciding what kind of parts you are going to use.
Lastly, you must remember that these tails are controlled with the help of an external product such as remote controls and a transmitter which is why you must make sure that the tails are functioning and are in sync with the transmitter.
3.THE RECEIVER
The transmitter and receiver are of the utmost importance for your plane. So, if you want to be able to fly it correctly, you must make sure the products you choose are of the highest quality. Moreover, if you are using a radio transmitter for this purpose, then make sure to check the number of channels it offers. These channels control the movement of the RC plane.
Usually, radio transmitters are known to provide at least 2 different channels. Still, if you are looking for a good transmitter, then try to find one with 4 channels as they are known to provide better control over the plane. The usual job of the 4 channels is to control the throttle, rudder, elevator and ailerons.
How you power your receiver depends on the power system of the aircraft you are building. If you are going to make a gas powered RC plane, you would need a receiver that is powered by separate rechargeable batteries since the aircraft doesn’t have any of its own.
The situation is a little different for electrically powered planes. In this case, since there is already a source of battery power in the device, you could just make use of the batteries that power the propellers. This connection can be done via a battery eliminitor circuit. In that way, you wouldn’t need to spend on extra batteries for the receiver.
Some of the well-known brands for receivers we can recommend are: HiTech,Futaba, Airttronics and the likes.
Tip: If you are going to fly multiple planes, you can just get one radio transmitter and programme your receiver to have n number of memories. In this way, you can switch from one aircraft to another, working on the same transmitter. It saves a lot of money since with every new plane, you would just be buying a new receiver!
4. THE SERVOS
No matter what kind of RC plane you are trying to build, you will need good servos for the purpose. This is perhaps the most important part of the airplanes as they are solely responsible for proper functioning of the device. This is actually the motor which controls and helps the movement of rudders, throttle and flaps, all of which are necessary for the flight.
Also, more importantly, these elements come in all shapes and sizes which means that no matter what size your RC plane is, you will always find a servo for your device. One thing to be noted here is that the torque generated by the servo depends on the size of the servo you choose.
Again, you have a different type of servos for electric powered and gas powered RC planes, which is why choosing compatible elements is an absolute must.
5. THE CONTROLLER
Let us now take a look at that element in any RC plane that makes its movement possible from point A to point B.
There are a number of different controls that are doing the rounds in the market but you can’t choose the first one that hops in your way. One of the most crucial features you need to look for in your controller is the number of functions it offers. More functions would give you better control.
Also, it would be a good idea to give your aircraft and controller a trial run to identify whether they are compatible or not. Some of the controllers you have in the market include the likes of Futaba, Laser, etc.
Keep in mind: Make sure the stick on the controller is not very rigid as it might unnecessarily restrict the movement of the plane.
6. THE POWER SOURCE
Before even starting, you need to decide what kind power source is required by the device you are making. For example, if you want to build an electric powered RC aircraft, then you will see that they work or fly very quietly. This is something which is user-friendly as you get to fly it to your heart’s content all the while making sure that your neighbors will not be disturbed.
Usually, you will see that RC planes using electricity are smaller in size and faster by nature. Moreover, these types of planes are known to use batteries, especially rechargeable ones. For this purpose, it would be prudent to use Li-Po batteries as they have a proven track record in this field. One thing to remember here is that these batteries can get a little heated up; so when you are buying them, don’t forget to get yourself a Li-Po sack where you can keep these batteries separately after use.
