Electric RC Airplane (RTF): Calypso Motor Glider

activity sixteen
Electric RC Airplane (RTF):
Calypso Motor Glider
Objectives students and cadets will
– will assemble the calypso glider
is is an intermediate level RC airplane and an entry level sailplane combined. e assembly
of the aircraft is not difficult, but the RC pilot needs to remember it is a fully aerobatic 4-channel
RC airplane. An RC pilot should be comfortable with an RC flight simulator first, such as the
Real Flight Basic Flight Simulator that is being supplied to CAP unit AEOs in RC STEM kits.
ere are several powered glider/sailplanes you can master on the simulator. RC flight can be used
for an engaging and safe exploratory activity to excite students and deepen their understanding
about science and the physics of flight. is activity reinforces the concepts about air pressure,
drag, and how aircraft use control surfaces to climb, turn, and maintain stable flight. With added
speed and full aerobatic
capabilities, this activity will
help RC pilots’ flying skills.
Activity Credit: Credit and Permission to Reprint – Hobbico Inc. has graciously given the Civil Air
Patrol permission to reprint the photos and owner’s manual instructions here for one or more of their
Ready to Fly (RTF) RC airplanes. More model aircraft, parts, and accessories can be found at
http://www.flyzoneplanes.com and http://www.hobbico.com/. Hobbico also provides the Real Flight
RC Simulators that have assisted RC student pilots gain a well grounded initial flying experience at
home, in their schools, and CAP units nationwide.
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NATIONAL STANDARDS
Science Standards:
Content Standard: Science as Inquiry
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• Understanding about scientific inquiry
Content Standard: Physical Science
• Motions and forces
Content Standard: Science and Technology
• Abilities of technological design
• Understandings about science and technology
Content Standard: History and the Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor
• Historical perspectives
• Unifying Concepts and Processes
• Evidence, models, and explanation
Technology Standards:
Content Standard: The Designed World
• Standard 20: Students will develop an
understanding of and be able to select and use
construction technologies.
BACKGROUND
MATERIALS
Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make
sure it is complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they
are of acceptable quality. If any parts are missing or are not
of acceptable quality, or if you need assistance with
assembly, contact Hobbico Product Support.
Only one tool is really needed, a medium size Phillips
head screwdriver. The CA glue and Activator are nice to
have for when things need patching or mending.
• Phillips Head Screw Driver.
• A small ruler (inches or metric) to measure rudder and
elevator throws.
• Great Planes Pro CA+ Medium (GPMR6007).
• Great Planes CA Activator Foam Safe 2oz. Pump
(GPMR6035).
• Photos and sketches are placed before each step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following
steps to get another view of the same parts.
• Stabilizer and wing incidences and motor thrust angles
have been factory-built into this model. However,
some technically minded modelers may wish to check
these measurements anyway. To view this information
visit the website at: www.greatplanes.com and click on
“Technical Data.” Due to manufacturing tolerances
,which will have little or no effect on the way your
model will fly, please expect slight deviations between
your model and the published values.
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A motor glider is a fixed-wing aircraft that can be
flown with or without engine power. The FAI Gliding
Commission Sporting Code definition is: A fixed-wing
aerodyne equipped with a means of propulsion (MoP),
capable of sustained soaring flight without thrust from
the means of propulsion.[1] In the US, a powered glider
may be certificated for up to two occupants, up to 850
kg maximum weight, and with a maximum ratio of
weight to wing span squared of 3 kg/m2.[2] Similar
requirements exist in European JAA/EASA regulations,
at a maximum weight of 750 kg.
Most motor gliders are equipped with a propeller,
which may be fixed, feathering, or retractable. However
jet engine-powered motor gliders are now available
from some manufacturers, some of which are intended
for use only as "sustainer" engines, i.e. for sustaining
gliding flight rather than as self-launching aircraft.
Self-launching retractable propeller motor gliders
have sufficient thrust and initial climb rate to take off
without assistance, or they may be launched as with a
conventional glider. The engines also have a starter
motor and a large battery to allow the engine to be
started on the ground, and an alternator to recharge
the battery. A two-blade propeller is typically coupled to
the engine via a belt reduction drive. In older designs,
the propeller alignment must be checked by the pilot
using a mirror, before it is retracted into the fuselage;
however in current production gliders, propeller
alignment is fully automatic. Photos below of the ASH26E powered sailplane.
Photos courtesy of http://www.alexander-schleicher.de/
Schleicher ASH-26E Sailplane
Specifications
General characteristics:
• Crew: 1
• Length: 23’ 2” (7.05 m)
• Wingspan: 59’ 1” (18 m)
• Height: 4’ 11” (1.51 m)
• Wing area: 126 ft² (11.68 m²)
• Empty weight: 792 lbs. (360 kg)
• Loaded weight: 1155 lbs. (525 kg)
• Powerplant: 1 × Diamond AE50R, 37 kW (50 hp)
• Aspect ratio: 27.7
Performance:
• Maximum speed: 170 mph (270 km/h)
• Maximum Glide Ratio: 50
• Rate of Sink: 0.48 m/s (94 ft/min)
VOCABULARY
RTF: (Ready-To-Fly) Ready-To-Fly R/C Airplanes are
model aircraft for first-time R/C pilots or experienced
enthusiasts looking for a no-hassle box-to-sky experience.
These airplanes require very little assembly, are great for
beginners, and come complete with radio, receiver, motor,
prop, speed control, servos, battery and charger — everything
you need to start flying. You put the parts together and charge
the flight battery using the charger that comes in the box with
the plane.
A clevis fastener is a three-piece fastener
system consisting of a clevis, clevis pin, and
tang. The clevis is a U-shaped piece that has
holes at the end of the prongs to accept the
clevis pin. Clevises are used in a wide variety of
fasteners used in the farming equipment,
sailboat rigging, and the aircraft industries.
Elevator/Rudder Throws: This is how far the
elevator/rudder moves up or down, left or right with the
rudder/elevator stick on the transmitter.
• 4-Channel Tactic (TTX404) 2.4 GHz micro radio
with four micro servos.
• Battery Charger: 12V DC powered balancing
charger with two LEDs to indicate charge status.
• Throttle, rudder and elevator provide true 4channel flight and maneuverability.
• Propeller: 9x5 folding design, black in color.
Specifications
Stock Number: FLZA3000
Wingspan: 73” (1855 mm)
Wing Area: 526 in2 (33.9 dm2)
RTF Weight: 29 oz (790-910 g)
Wing Loading: 16.7-19.1 oz/ft² (51-58 g/dm2)
Length: 47” (1195 mm)
Center of Gravity (CG): ¼” (6.5 mm) ahead of spar
PROCEDURE
This lesson will refer you to the instruction manual for the
Calypso RTF RC plane. It is a typical sample of what similar
models’ instructions would be like. It would be impossible to
present a lesson plan that covers all types of RC planes and
construction methods available in the hobby. The following are
given as general considerations:
The Calypso fuselage/wing design is typical of today’s
leading sailplanes and gliders. With foam construction, a
brushless electric power system and 4 micro servos already in
place, this RTF powered glider can be turning heads and
drawing attention at the field within minutes after installing your
battery!
Flyzone Calypso RC Power Sailplane
Features
• Ready to fly in about 30-minutes.
• Motor: Brushless 28 x 30 1300kVoutrunner, 18A ESC.
• Rechargeable 11.1V 15C 1300mAh LiPo.
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Contents
The 73” Flyzone Calypso has everything included
you need to fly this powered glider right out of the box.
No tools other than a Phillips screwdriver are required
to get this RC plane in the air. All of the batteries go into
locations that require only thumb pressure to insert. The
canopy is held in position by Velcro.
The instructions are excellent and written very well. This
is a project for the local AMA club to assist the CAP unit in.
If this suggestion is put into action, everyone wins. The
AMA club helps and shares knowledge, as well as gets to
help the CAP unit learn to fly a really great RC aircraft. The
CAP unit puts aerospace education into practical lessons of
flight and RC pilot skills. This plane can be ordered at:
http://www.flyzoneplanes.com/airplanes.html
The following is from the Flyzone Calypso RC Aircraft
Owner’s Instruction Manual. The Calypso RC Aircraft
comes with all required materials and assemblies. You will
need 30 minutes to an hour to assemble the plane. You
need to take your time, and it is recommended you have
someone assist you with assembling this type RC plane.
CAP meeting, followed up by flying it at an AMA flying
field the next weekend using a buddy-box.
PROCEDURE
Assembly
• Photos and sketches are placed before the step they
refer to. Frequently you can study photos in following
steps to get another view of the same parts. See
below:
• You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as
doing so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model.
In a few cases the instructions may differ slightly from
the photos. In those instances the written instructions
should be considered as correct.
You must take the time to build straight, true, and strong.
• You must correctly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates correctly on
the ground and in the air.
This AEX lesson will refer you to the instruction manual
for this RC plane and for specific steps and materials
needed to complete this RC RTF kit.
It would be impossible to present a lesson plan that
covers all types and construction available in the RC
hobby. The instruction is well illustrated and by careful
attention to detail, taking each step one at a time and not
being in a hurry, you will produce a great flying RC plane.
The following are given as general considerations. This
RTF Airplane Kit:
• Includes everything needed.
• Flight-ready in only 30 minutes - 3 hours, depending
on the skills the person(s) assembling it have.
• It is ideal for a CAP/AMA joint AE project during a
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• Once assembly is complete, make sure the Center of
Gravity (CG) is perfect. Reviews from many Calypso
pilots state that the CG on this must be perfect for
satisfactory flights.
for your first flights. If you’re not a member of a club,
your local hobby shop has information about clubs in
your area whose membership includes experienced
pilots.
Safety Considerations
The Calypso power glider should not be considered a
toy, but rather a sophisticated, working model that
functions very much like a full-size airplane. Because of its
performance capabilities, the Calypso, if not assembled
and operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to you
or spectators and damage to property.
Pre-Flight Checks
• You must check the operation of the model before
every flight to insure that all equipment is operating
and that the model has remained structurally sound.
Be sure to check clevises or other connectors often
and replace them if they show any signs of wear or
fatigue.
Range Check
• Most radio systems have a procedure for groundchecking the operational range. This usually involves
something such as the pilot walking a distance away
from the model while operating the controls, with an
assistant holding the model and confirming that
everything is operating correctly. Follow the
manufacturer’s instructions that came with your radio
to perform this check with the motor off and with the
motor running at various speeds. If the radio does not
pass the range check, do not fly! Find and correct the
problem first.
• If you are not an experienced pilot or have not flown
this type of model before, we recommend that you get
the assistance of an experienced pilot in your RC club
Flying the Calypso
The Calypso is suitable for beginners because it can fly
slowly and react predictably and gently, but it is still highly
recommended that those who have no radio control flying
experience seek the assistance of an experienced pilot—
especially for the first couple of flights. Beginners should
fly only in calm conditions, but experienced pilots will
embrace the challenge of flying the Calypso in winds up to
20mph!
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HINTS & TIPS
Launch
Upgrade your Battery Charger
The RTF and Tx-R versions of the Calypso include a
Great Planes 3S LiPo balancing Smart Charger. The
Smart Charger is a safe way to charge your LiPo battery,
but it’s very basic and just enough to get you started. The
Smart Charger that comes with the plane charges at a rate
of .8 Amps. It will take approximately one-and-a-half hours
or more to charge your battery. Eventually, you’ll want to
get more batteries and an advanced charger to charge
faster and fly more!
The Calypso is simply hand-launched by advancing the
throttle and giving it a gentle toss directly into any
prevailing wind—it will basically fly out of your hand, so a
gentle throw is all that is needed. You’ll probably want to
launch it at full-throttle the first time, but once you get used
to the Calypso and get it trimmed you could launch it at
reduced power.
Once
airborne the first
priority will be to
get your Calypso
trimmed for
straight-andlevel flight using
the flight trims on
the transmitter. The elevator may trim out differently at full
power than it does power off, so trim it for the type of flying
you will be doing most—sport-flying or thermaling (if
thermaling, you will want the Calypso to trim out with the
power off).
You can maneuver the Calypso around the sky rather
like a sport model performing gentle aerobatics such as
loops, rolls, Cuban 8s, stall turns and even inverted flight,
or you can fly it like a glider using motor power to climb to
altitude, then shut off the power to search for lifting air.
A Battery Checker from any hobby shop or from
Hobbico (HCAP0275) cannot be recommended enough. A
weak battery will fail in flight and much of the time results
in a major crash. Checking your battery prior to installing it
for each flight is cheap insurance.
Heat from hot, sunny conditions may blister the foam
beads under the black paint on the canopy. If your Calypso
will be resting or lying in the sun, cover the canopy with a
towel or remove the canopy and place it in the shade.
LiPo batteries require special care and handling. Be
certain to follow the instructions that came with your LiPo
battery and charger to charge and handle them correctly.
EVALUATION
AEX for Senior Members Activity One: “Electric Radio
Control Model Aircraft” is ideal for students/cadets to
practice and expand their RC piloting skills
EXTENSION
Compare this ARF RC airplane with a
MyRcDesigns.com aircraft that a student designs, builds
and flies.
Make a presentation or demonstration of the
differences in the Night Vapor RTF indoor RC airplane and
a similar foamie profile RC airplane and the Calypso.
RESOURCES
When ready to land simply bring the Calypso around
into the wind, cut the power and allow it to descend. You
can extend the flaps to slow the Calypso’s descent, but
this may also extend the glide path; so modulate the flaps
as necessary. In breezy conditions the Calypso may
descend almost vertically. However you fly you should
calculate your fight time and use a timer so you don’t over
discharge your battery or end up having the motor quit
unexpectedly causing a dead-stick landing. Dead-stick
landings are usually no problem unless you are flying on a
windy day and cannot get your Calypso back to the
landing area.
AEX, for Senior Members Activity Eight: “Remote
Control Flight Simulator for Your Computer” is ideal for
students/cadets to practice and get the “feel” of an RC
powered glider like the Calypso.
Great Planes:
http://secure.hobbyzone.com/gp/?gclid=CMWZka7sqK8CF
Q1jhwod8EOyYg
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