RC Dralthi Takes to the Sky

Notice the carbon fiber reinforcement along both wings. Also, the vertical stabilizers have angled cuts in the rear to allow for flight control movement. I think the flight controls are too small currently. That, plus the reduced area of the vertical stabilizers is causing the uncommanded roll.

So, in the redesign I’m going enlarge the flight controls. I’m also going to split the controls around the vertical stabilizers and leave a small slot for a thin connector to pivot. It’ll make sense when I cut it. Still shooting to get the changes done and test it this weekend.

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Here’s a video of the Dralthi in flight. I was almost scared that overnight it wouldn’t fly. I still need to work on the center-line balance. It doesn’t want to turn right because the battery is on the left part of the disc. I need to add a little more counterweight on the right. Surprisingly, it will do a loop.

...With a Morningstar in Hot Pursuit!

But wait, there's more! Chris also has a radio controlled Morningstar fighter built and flying too! It's not as smooth cruising as the Dralthi yet, but upgrades are already in work to improve the aerodynamics. Check out its awesome first flight video here.

The Morningstar needs a little more pitch authority. I have redesigned it to make the flight controls larger. The next build should fly great. I hope to have it in the air this weekend.

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Once I get the kinks worked out of the Morningstar, I'm going to get it and the Dralthi up in the air at the same time for an RC Wing Commander video. I'm going to try and shoot it from the ground and with a camera onboard the Morningstar.