Category Archives: Experimental

Simplest model airplane

Experimental, Gallery

The Squirrel is the easiest-to-build model airplane in its class (as you can see by the parts in the photo). After some more research it has been determined that only one winglet is needed. So that drops the parts list (and steps) down by one. It also makes the airplane look very different. Another big advantage is that it becomes a Squirrel Stacker. In the photo above you can see that I have managed to get 9 Squirrels into a box that is small enough to fit in my motorcycle trunk!

If anybody has any feedback on which side the winglet should be on, please drop us a line. We’ve flown a few prototypes with the winglet on the left and that seems to be working well.

 

Pin It

Can you fit your Squirrel in your briefcase?

Experimental

I wanted to carry a Squirrel on my motorcycle but space is limited.

I made a box out of some plastic from the scrap bin at a plastics company. (Canus Plastics on Lisgar in Ottawa). I found two sheets that were 12.5 inches by 4.5 inches. I glued some 1/8 x 3/8 basswood around the frame of one side using epoxy and then used elastics to hold the other side on.

I then made a flat version of the Squirrel. I made the winglets and horizontal stabilizer removable. I cut a slot in the motor stick for the horizontal stabilizer.

I decided to carry the propeller separate.

It turns out that it fits easily in any briefcase. Now I ALWAYS have a Squirrel with me. Even at a pub!

Pin It

How to make a prop from a Coke bottle

Experimental, Sighting

If you don’t have access to a propeller (propellor), this is a great way to make one out of common materials. It is at the ScienceToyMaker Web site run by Slater Harrison.

I noticed the plane he was using with his DIY propeller is a Squirrel. 🙂

I noticed also he is showing another mechanism designed by Prabhuraj.C.U of india is using a foam Squirrel plane as well.

 

Pin It

Small Squirrel Bi-Plane

Experimental, Sighting

Another way to increase the wing area is to add more wings! Here’s George’s Squirrel Biplane experiments.

Darcy:

Here’s a couple biplanes. Differing in design, they are both very good fliers. The first has a 9 in. span and a 2 in. chord. It weighs 8 grams including rubber. The second has a 6 3/4 in. span and a 2 3/4 in. chord. It weighs 9 grams including rubber. Both are powered by shaved-down 5 in. props. Each plane took about 3 hrs. to build. The fun continues.

Cheers

George

 

Pin It