[JFAIR] Biplane (WIP)

[unimog123]

This is what I'm making for the January-February Air theme. It is essentially a biplane, but I might add or take away certain things to make it unique. Here is what I have so far.

I have come across a bit of a problem with the landing gear. I did not realize that the setup I was going to use with two mini linear actuators(front/back) doesn't work. They end up going in opposite directions. I may try changing the direction of the gears or using a worm gear solution. Also the gearbox in the cockpit will control the landing gear and hopefully the rudder.

I would appreciate any suggestions.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Jim
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[Alasdair Ryan]

If you connect the mini LA's with gears for the sides of the plane you can overcome that issue I think.

[unimog123]

I think that will work. Also instead of a rudder, I'm making rear ailerons. Which do you think will work best a worm gear and some kind of lever or just another mini linear actuator. Thanks.

[Alasdair Ryan]

I don't really know I would take a guess that a worm gear might be more straight forward.

[Seasider]

Don't you mean elevators not ailerons ?

I'd use some gears driven by an axle

Linear actuators turn too slow for the main control surfaces in my opinion

I'd use them for flaps, trim tabs or landing gear though

Interesting that you're putting retracting undercarriage on a biplane ... Wasn't very common ... But there were some in existence

[unimog123]

Thank you for all your help. I have made more progress and I have to say, I don't think it's a biplane anymore. I kind of got carried away with the design and here's what I have done.

As you may have noticed, I've changed the color scheme, gave it elevators (I guess), and added a lot of bodywork! I think now I'll go for a streamlined jet kind of look, no name or brand in mind, just generic.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Jim
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[unimog123]

More Progress:

Still working on the front landing gear.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Jim
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[Kronos]

Looking good! Quick work man.

[unimog123]

Thanks, I have been working on it all day! I'm still working on the landing gear though, probably won't be done until later tonight or tomorrow.

[unimog123]

More Progress: I have finally figured out how to construct the front landing gear, and I couldn't believe how easy the mechanism could have been. All I

had to do was put gears in the linear actuator space, instead of u-joint. I have pretty much finished the wings as well.

Edited January 22, 2014 by Jim
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[unimog123]

This is the final product:

It has working landing gear and rear elevators. I am some what satisfied with the result, except for the cockpit, but this is my first plane.

[skriblez]

Very nice plane, good work

[Seasider]

Pretty cool plane. Like the smoothness of it all. My only negative is the wings and tailplane look small when compared to the fuselage.

[captainmib]

Nice plane!

I think stretching it a bit, and making the tailsection less wide would do the job.

[unimog123]

I agree. The tail section is a bit to wide and wings are slightly too small. I don't think I'll change it though, because it would take quite a bit of time and I want to start a big new project soon.