TriJet RC Airplane Build, Season Guide
Using CAD to Design an Airplane
Episode 1
Start Designing an RC Airplane
24 Minutes - Released
In the first episode of the design and build series, I show you how you can start designing your own model airplane frame in Fusion 360 using bodies. When complete, you will have the base central frame of a common cylindrical airframe.
Episode 1a
How to Calibrate / Scale Fusion 360 Canvases
5 Minutes - Released - Episode 1a
This is a supplemental tutorial to Episode 1 that shows you how to calibrate (scale) your diagrams in Fusion 360 using Canvases.
Episodes 2, 3, 4
How to Design Airplane Wings
Airfoils
29 Minutes - Released
In this tutorial I show you how to begin creating the wings for your 3D model airplane. This episode covers airfoils, how to get and import existing airfoils and laying out the general frame of the wing.
Spars & Ribs
47 Minutes - Released
In part 2 of the wing design tutorial I show you how to further advance the 3D model of your airplane’s wings. When complete you will have the Ribs and Spars designed and positioned.
Joints, Spar Caps & Wing Mount
45 Minutes - Released
In this final wing design tutorial in the series I detail how you can connect your wing's ribs to the leading and trailing spars. Also I show you how you can add spar caps to help strengthen your spars.
Episode 5
How to 3D Model and Airplane Nose
52 Minutes - Released
In this episode I show you how to use the sketch tool in Fusion 360 do define the complex shape of an airplane’s nose. When complete, you will have the skin for the forward section of your model airplane.
Episode 6
How to 3D Model and Airplane Empennage
1 Hour 17 Minutes - Released
One of the most complex shapes on any airplane, the empennage is a tricky part to model. In this episode I walk you step by step through the process of 3D modeling the tail using the Sketch Tool.
Episode 7
Completing The Airplane Frame - Longerons & Stringers
27 Minutes - Released
This is the final episode in the Fusion 360 CAD Airplane design series. In this episode I show you how to connect all of your formers, and bulkheads with stringers and longerons. Building on concepts demonstrated in previous design tutorials.
Episode 8
How to Convert 3D Model to 2D Templates in Fusion 360
Late June
It’s time to leave the design phase and begin exporting our 3D modeled airplane frame into 2 dimensional templates that can be used with CNC Routers, Laser Cutters, or printed on paper as cutting guides. In this final tutorial of the season, I show you 4 ways to export your design out of Fusion 360.
Main Build
Episode 1
Center Fuselage Section
30 Minutes - Released
In this episode I will be using the brand new C02 laser cutting machine for the first time to cut the formers for the central fuselage frame. Also included in the episode are the wingbox, electronics accessories hatch, and the 3D printed Spar wing mount brackets.
Episode 2
Nose/Forward Fuselage Section
Est. Release: July
In this episode I laser cut and assemble to nose section of the airframe. Part of the assembly also includes the installations of the 3D printed landing gear housing and mounting structure, and forward electronics and batter access hatch .
Episode 3
Tail/Aft Fuselage Section
Est. Release: July
One of the most detailed and intricate parts of the entire build is creating the laser cut framing and then assembling the Iconic L-1011 S-Duct, rudder assembly and the stabilator. Many 3D printed parts, and articulation assemblies.
Episode 4
Landing Gear
Est. Release: August
In this episode we will explore the first of its kind, fully 3D printed, scale landing gear for an RC Airliner. Topics cover material selection, print orientation, reinforcement techniques and lots of testing to ensure a strong and durable gear assembly. Also included is the installation the nose gear.
Episode 5
Wings
Est. Release: August
The star of flight, wings are featured in this episode. This includes laser cutting the spars and ribs, 3D printed brackets and mounts, engine nacelle, flaps, ailerons and landing gear installation.
Episode 6
First Full Assembly Fit Test & Revisions
Est. Release: August
In this episode I fully assemble all of the main sections: Nose, center fuse, tail, and wings to test for fit, rigidity and make any required adjustments before putting the skin on the entire airframe.
Electronics
Episode 7
Electronics Selection
Est. Release: September
In the first electronics episode I will be working through the process of selecting the electronics that will drive the hear of the airplane.
Episode 8
Mounts for Electronics Placement
Est. Release: September
In this episode I will be selecting the placement of all of the electronic components and installing all of the core boards.
Episode 9
Power Systems & Wiring
Est. Release: September
It’s time to wire things up! In this episode watch the entire process of wiring and connecting all of the electronics for the TriJet Build.
Episode 10
Testing Servos, Engines, Control Surfaces, and Mounting Serial Number Plate
Est. Release: October
It’s alive! The TriJet starts to move for the very first time. I will check all of the clearances and program the servo throws. Also, this is a perfect time to mount the very first serial number plate to the very first build.
Build Completion
Episode 11
Planking, Sheeting, Glassing
Est. Release: October
In this episode we finally get around to giving the TriJet its skin. What as I choose the materials and discover methods for skinning the fuselage.
Episode 12
Weight & Balance (CG)
Est. Release: November
One of the most critical stages of every flying machine, testing for the center of gravity. In this episode I will go through the entire process of verifying and establishing the plane’s center of gravity and dry weight.
Ground Testing & Preflight
Episode 13
Transport, Onsite assembly, Safety, Creating a Preflight Checklist Taxi, and High Speed Testing
Est. Release: November
It’s finally time to get the TriJet out of the workshop and into some open space. In this episode I will cover how to prepare the L-1011 model for transport and reassemble on location. This will also be where I work through the process of developing preflight sequence and safety considerations. Also, we get to see the TriJet take to the taxiway and runway for an assortment of ground testing and high speed runs. Will it pop off the ground? Time will tell.
Delivery
Episode 14
Livery & Final Reveal
Est. Release: November
One of the most exciting parts of any new airplane is the reveal of the service ready airplane. Shining, new, and ready to take flight. Watch as I go through applying the livery and revealing the finished model on a nice sunny day.
Episode 15
Maiden Flight & Kit Winner Revealed
Est. Release: November
The moment we’ve all be waiting for. The 1:20 Scale L-1011 TriJet RC Model Airliner takes flight for the very first time. After going from a blank canvas in Fusion 360 to a fully functional flying kit airplane, this will be the culmination of more than a year worth of work. Also, every person who supported this project by making a tip-jar contribution was entered into the first kit give-a-way. That winner will be announced if the flight is successful by raffle. Also, kit pre-order will begin click here for more information.
Episode 16
TriJet 1 Recap + Kits Start Shipping + Next Build Teaser
Est. Release: Early December
In this episode we recap the entire process from design, to build, to flight with highlights and never seen before footage. I will also announce the next project and video series.