Buck Rogers Earth Reliance Fighter micro model
I had joined a Micro Pusher contest in Jan 2009. These are the kinds of thing that
motivate all alike to build something new. Of course, it would have to pass some
tests, like must fly under certain design constrains. Usually this promotes new clever
and different presentations, where one can experience and learn new expressions in
the art of flying machine designs. The though, Exciting! I have a chance in making
this fly. What will I build? What do I have to build it with? Are some of the questions
asked. Also the challenge is making the deadline. A science project this became.
First, weight is compromised by the technology of motor, controls, and battery, then
design configuration, proven or untried. These are the dilemmas one faces in the
act of a contest.
Well I made my choice in trying to micro size the Buck Rogers Earth Reliance Fighter.
I thought this could make an excellent candidate. Little did I know, this was more
challenging to make it resemble the actual TV show Earth Reliance Fighter under
the fantasy category. My choice, but probably the wrong choice, it has to fly to
under power. I was able to make it glide, but was terrified in making it work with
hardware for it would get heavy. It is too delicate and prone to damage, so I decided
to decline from the contest knowing it would not pass the test of flight.
Again it remains as a static model. Here are some details at RC GROUPS FORUM.
The micro model
I had problem with deciding on the method of building the plane. I knew what it would look like but to go with a build-up instead of vacuumed forming the pieces. In the future for something this scale would have been better to vacuumed form the parts; this would have contributed to a lighter and possibly stronger model. And these are the kind of lesson you learn in joining a contest. By example you experience the endeavors and successes of others. I learned much and enjoyed in observing to the conclusion of the winners.
I must confess, I was inexperience with this type of design and from that I leaned what can be improve to succeed in creating a flying model, but I am afraid it will not look much like this model.
With this model, the build-up and hot wire cuts was the process of choice. Then I though building light and strong looking good would get me the results to impress my competitor. In the picture you will se I built the model in 3D to piece the thing together. This is not an exact science yet, but works for me. I then print out the parts and transfer to foam and cut. I used the Durobatics Foam Sheets to use as the skin for the wing and nacelles. I thought this would be a good application for reducing the weight, but it is prone to damage making this a bad choice here for a flying model of this type, not enough air buoyancy. Also being my first time working with this material, was challenging to use it.
I am proud of what the out come has become so far, it looks good. Some clever way I came up with cutting the nacelles cones and ribs, assembly of the parts and watching it take form was exciting. All thinking in the process will it fly.
For aesthetics, I wanted to display the grill between the nacelles and this was archived by an idea my son expressed, but would contribute to my enemy weight. However I continued with this process to insert splinters to give the illusion of a grill. Turned out to be cool.
Now came to be the exhaust shrouds doubling as the engine shrouds. I spent some time pondering with this before coming up with the concept. First I wanted to look good and be functional, not so, for this model the functional part. It turns out to be the damage prone area. For the larger model the intension is to make these into a vector thrusting controlled exhaust system. Not shown here are controls for the pivoting of the whole motor and shroud to direct the trust. Also I have devised a way for the control surfaces including a canard system. I am especially proud on how the prototype shroud has turned out it has potentials.
The changes in design from the original ERF I supplemented the bottom to be a wing, the top wing was modified to a full elevator and the canopy was change in attempt to reduce drag, but I am not content with this. It ma revert to the original canopy.
I plan to build a flying micro version with simplistic flat pizza box design using less than 1 mm DEPRON construction and possibly the KF wing configuration. So maybe soon this will manifest into a project.
Also from this model I did explore other possible configuration that developed into what is to become the Cobra Strike.
