Wills Electric Aeroplane Page

FAD400 (Fast Agile Delta)

The following should be considered as building hints and tips and not building instructions.

FAD400 cannot be considered as a beginner’s model. Micro servos and receiver are required. Choose a high visibility colour scheme it’s a fast model. Cover with iron on film. A transmitter with elevon mixing is required.

ASSEMBLY

Build over a flat building board packing the ribs up as appropriate. Remember to install the servos before covering. Receiver access is achieved by cutting out the lower covering immediately below it. The resulting hole can be covered by a piece of thin plastic taped in position. Alternatively just cover with the receiver in place. The receiver can be secured with ’Velcro’. Tape the aerial out of the way of the motor.

The motor should be firmly glued in position using epoxy (5 minute type used on original) after the model has been covered. Remember to wire the speed control to the motor before gluing in place. The motor can be either a 6 volt or a 7.2 volt motor. The 7.2 volt motor will draw a lower current giving a better power duration but a lower top speed. The 6 volt motor gives the best speed but a smaller duration.

The elevons are top hinged with 'DIAMOND' tape after covering. The battery is retained with ‘Velcro’.

FAD400 uncovered

FLYING

Check that the throws are as indicated on the plan. Batteries can be 7x 500AR Sanyo or 7x600AE Sanyo. Propellers used are the 5x5ins or 4.7x4.7ins Graupner Cam Speed props for ultimate speed but other makes of similar size are more durable.

A firm launch is required. Use the under keel as a handgrip. I would strongly suggest getting someone to launch for you. This allows you to be ready on the controls. The model requires a firm, flat launch. The model can be slowed to a sensible landing speed.

But watch out for the short duration (about 2 and a halve minutes) if you are using the 6Volt 400. The 7.2Volt 400 is recommended for sport flying as this will give reasonable speed and about 4 minutes duration.

Prototype Details

Length: 13.8"(350mm)

Wingspan: 20" (513mm)

Motor: ‘Topaz’ 400 (7.2 Volt Speed 400) with Jeti JES180 speed control

Energy: 7 x 500mAh Sanyo AR

Weight: 12.8oz (364g)

RC Equipment: Graupner C1081 submicro (6.2g) elevon servos, Multiplex Piko 4/5 Receiver.

 

FAD400 with hatch removed