This section describes a high level sequence of construction methods in the
development of a full size RC Pelican.
A joint project with Gavin Williams and Andy Smith
Specs:
Wingspan: 3 meters , 12 sq ft - just like the real one here in
Australia
Control Surfaces: Elevons with mixer , plus 6.8kg servo that turns
head (Rudder) plus a shaving can on a servo to emulate a real bird
Current Weight: 6.8 kg
 | The wing were CNC cut in 5 panels per side using white foam, plus blue
foam centre piece |
| The wing section is an EH2512, Span of 3 meters |
| Vacuum bagged over a former with 2oz glass and carbon around the
centre section |
|
 |
| The feathers were shaped around the tips before vacuum bagging |
|
 |
| Setup gull shape so a former can be made to vacuum bag over ( see
Seagull for this technique ) |
|
 |
| Give you an idea of size of the 1:1 span of the bird, Gavin stands at
2 meters |
|
 |
| Gavin's love for birds is clearly demonstrated in this shot. |
| Body out of blue foam, hand carved from a picture |
| If Gavin's came back as a bird he would be a Hairy Chested Bed
Thumper" |
|
 |
| Starting to take shape, although it looks more like a Sea duck than a
Pelican |
|
 |
| The bill takes shape |
|
 |
| Who's a pretty boy then? |
|
 |
| Wings are attached to create centre top centre section |
| A mold was taken of the body, so we could create a flock and migrate |
|
 |
| Finial sand and ready to be split in half for molding |
|
 |
| The head ready for molding, I used a product called Hydrastone which
is like a hard plaster. |
|
 |
| His first look at the coast since leaving the Shed |
| And yes the fashion police booked me for wearing those shorts |
|
 |
| Ready for this first flight/fright |
|
 |
| Pilot training was handled using my 4.2 meter Discus |
|
 |
| Proof of concept |
|
 |
