Forward swept wing RC aircraft

Published on 19 May 2022. Written by Dineshkumar E

Swept wing is a type of wing configuration used in fixed-wing aircraft. There are two types: Swept-back (wing is angled backward) and Swept forward (wing is angled forward). This project deals with the fabrication of forward-swept wing remotely controlled aircraft. Forward-swept wing aircrafts are highly maneuverable (ability to change direction quickly) at low speeds and drag produced is also low compared to backward-swept wing aircraft. The characteristic "sweep angle" is usually estimated by drawing a path from root to tip, twenty-five percent of the way back from the leading edge, and matching that to the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the aircraft.  Wing sweep has the effect of delaying the shock waves and accompanying aerodynamic drag rise caused by fluid compressibility.

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Project Description

Before starting the fabrication process first, you need to understand the basics of Aerodynamics like forces acting on flying objects and how the aircraft is controlled. Next step is to design and analyze the model using the software. Now you have to choose the electronics based on the model weight and thrust requirement. Below mentioned are the components required to fabricate the aircraft.

1. Brushless Motor: It is used to produce thrust (forward motion) and to overcome the drag(resistance) created by the air. These motors have high RPM compared to brushed motors.
2. Servo Motor: These motors are attached to the control surfaces like aileron, elevator and, rudder. To control the aircraft.
3. ESC: Electronic Speed Controller used to control the speed of the motor to vary the thrust production.
4. Propeller: Propeller is coupled with the Brushless motor to produce the thrust.
5. Battery: Lithium Polymer (LiPo) batteries are used to power motors and receiver.
6. Transmitter and Receiver: It works on the radio frequency and minimum 4 channel should be required.
7. Coroplast: Using this material only both the fuselage and wing is fabricated. It is cost-efficient and working on this material is also easy.

Project Implementation

Fabricate the wing and fuselage based on the design of your model and attach the electronics as per the requirement. Now, check the CG(Centre of Gravity) of your model and calibrate the control surfaces before flying the aircraft.

Software Requirements:

1. CATIA: CATIA is a multi-platform software series for computer-aided drawing, computer-aided production, computer-aided engineering, PLM and 3D.
2. SOLIDWORKS: SolidWorks is a solid modeling computer-aided drawing and computer-aided planning software.

Kit required to develop Forward swept wing RC aircraft:

• Propeller
• bldc motor

Technologies you will learn by working on Forward swept wing RC aircraft:

• Aerodynamics
• RC technology

Any Questions?