Custom, scratch-built Micro Jet

[Michael]

Another of my 2020-2022 Covid projects was the scratch-built Micro Jet, made of Depron (thin stryrofoam sheet material) and components that I had lying around from previous models and projects. This included a E-Flite UMX (Ultra Micro) EDF (electric ducted fan) power/radio system.

When I finally flew it, it was unstable, because the electronic stabilization (in the receiver) was backwards, in regards to how I built the model. Dave helped me sort this out. On 2 subsequent flights the model flew well with a hand-launch, but didn't turn right well at all. This may be because the V-tail I built was not effective, or was twisted, or something else. I tried a few fixes, but nothing worked, so I decided to redo the tail setup with a standard stabilizer/elevator fin/rudder set-up.

[Michael]

The first challenge was the combined receiver/ESC unit. It would only work for elevens or a V-tail. This had to be replaced. I had an old Spektrum receiver (the type that was wrapped in flexible black thin plastic), and I found some old ultra-sub-micro servos, which replaced the tiny linear servos. I also used a small and light speed control that I had on hand.

[Michael]

I cut out tail parts from a sheet of 1/8" depron. These were cut, and then hinged with dull Scotch tape. Linkages and pushrods were fashioned from thin wire, carbon fiber

[Michael]

The speed control was pushed to the front of the plane to help with balancing.

[Michael]

A little bit of paint and it's ready for a new flight. The model weighs 3½ ounces, has a 21" wingspan, and is 16¾" long.

[GuyOReilly]

So cute!
Best of luck with the Maiden Flight!