First, a little back story:

A couple of the guys in my club have been flying some deltas in our gym and racing/combating the heck out of them. The planes that were used were the SuperFleas from SuperFlyRC.com. These planes have taken one heck of a beating over the last couple of years and are severely heavy with glue from repairs and really are begging to be retired. The problem is that SuperFlyRC has discontinued these birds. That being the case, we have been searching for the ideal "quick and cheap" plane to replace the old planes.

While chit-chatting after our last indoor session, I mentioned that I could cut out just about anything we wanted on my PP. I remembered having purchased the Mini Arrow from Dan at LazerToyz.com. The kits are only $15 and all of the components can be had from his site for SUPER CHEAP! More over, these little deltas fly great and I can cut them out on my machine.

My plan was to knock off Dan's design and give them to my flying buddies, but I couldn't resist the temptation to make a few modifications to the plane - namely, add a tab/slot construction method to more easily facilitate a quicker and more accurate build.

Guilt overtook me and I decided to place a call to Dan and tell him what I was up to. I told him that I wasn't making any money on his plane, but I would love to share my modified design with him (to kind of offset my little "theft" ). I also found out the he didn't know of the PhlatPrinter! Naturally, I had to take some time and tell him all about our favorite new invention.

We visited for quite a while and Dan (one of the coolest folks in the hobby that I've had the pleasure of visiting with) gave me permission to share my version of this plane with all of the PhlatClub members!

So, with all that being said (and you know I can't say anything quickly!), here are the files for the PERFECT indoor combat plane and/or pylon plane that there is! Let me just say that if you get one built, don't bother wasting your time trying to find the perfect gear for it. Just head on over to LazerToyz.com and get the recommended components. I am running the little 10 gram motor with a 5x3 prop on 3S 350, but there is another route you can go with the 17 gram outrunner and a 6x3 prop that they offer. I'm afraid that our little gym is too small for that power combo! Please note that the motors and esc's that Dan sells are NOT the typical HobbyCity variety. He has these components custom made to HIS specifications and they perform very well!

The file is set up for FFF and I have included two PhlatCodes - a 1 out file and a 2 out file (again, one to keep and one to share - it's no fun racing or combating by yourself, right?). My 2 out file cut in a little more than 18 minutes on my machine.

Have fun!!

Attached files Mini Arrow.zip (161.4 KB)Â

 

You the man Crash!! Just keep cranking out those designs.. Great job.. This one is on the list 2build also..

 

Yes your are the man Crash! Thanks man, and thanks to Dan for allowing us all to enjoy this little wonder!
Mark

 

Thanks for another good one Mike! And yea, thanks to Dan also.

 

Look what I did this afternoon! I got an order from the local hobby shop, so I had to oblige!

Two hours of work will net me 90 clams tomorrow morning! My cost? Two and a half hours of work, a buck worth of glue sticks, tape I already had, and less than $5 worth of foam.

Not bad, huh? Attached files

 

Nice job there CRASH!! I just ordered the 10gram motor for this plane, can't wait....
Thanks alot!!

 

That is great Mike nice work they all look really nice and professional.. Keep up the good work bro!
MnT
p.s. I see you are using your glue stick holder Thats cool

 

very cool....nice job, man...

 

I have some video that I shot yesterday of 4 of these little buggers blazing around our gym. I just need to edit the video and get it uploaded. It's like total CHAOS!!

I have revamped the file on this plane to allow for some additional strength. Rather than having the holes in the wing for the servos to pop right in, I've omitted them and doubled the wing thickness as well. We have taken to mounting the servos on their sides (hot gluing them down) and the result is a much stiffer airframe that holds up much better to mid-airs, hard landings, and smacks into the walls!

The ideal setup for this plane has been determined to be the LazerToyz.com 17 gram outrunner, 6 amp ESC, 3s350 LiPo (I use the FlightPower batteries), and a 6x3 prop on a solid collet-style prop adapter.

Anyway, here's a new PhlatCode for the improved r2 design (2 planes on one sheet). Attached files Mini Arrow Rev2.zip (94 KB)Â

 

We have had great success with the CG set exactly on the beginning of the prop slot.

What power system are you using, Flash? Even with the heavier 17 gram outrunners and the FlightPower 3S batteries, we are still coming in at around 4.3 ozs. As long as you're around that weight and your CG is at the beginning of the slot, you'll be golden!

I'm not sure whether you cut out the v1 or v2 version, but if you're just playing around with it, the v1 will be great. Combat and pylon will demand the v2 (or lot's of v1's on hand!). LOL

Lemme know how it goes!

 

Chuck, I have used only two different motors on mine but have had great results.

Using LazerToyz 10 gram outrunner, GWS 6030 prop, a 6 amp Feigao ESC, and a 2s350mah battery this plane is a spirited performer indoors. Step up to LazerToyz 17 gram outrunner and a 3s350 mah battery (using same ESC and Prop) and this plane is BALLISTIC!

Weight is very important on a plane this small. I only use a Spektrum AR6100 Rx and 5 gram servos are a must. I usually come out between 4 and 4.25 ounces ready to fly. If you're plane is heavier than that, that's probably your problem.

How much does yours weigh?