RC Fixed-Wing Aircraft

Airframe and component integration

RC aircraft on a workshop table during assembly, with wing, tail, fuselage and radio transmitter visible — Construction and assembly: fitting the airframe and integrating the propulsion and radio-control components.

The aircraft was built during my first undergraduate year. A 3D-printed fuselage housed the electronics and supported the assembled wing, tail and landing gear. The build integrated a purchased battery, electronic speed controller (ESC), motor, propeller and radio-control equipment.

Assembly connected the mechanical airframe to the electrical power and control chain: battery to ESC, ESC to motor, and radio commands to the onboard equipment.

Completed fixed-wing RC aircraft on its landing gear on a paved road — The assembled aircraft prepared for outdoor ground testing.

Ground checks and flight testing

Electronics and propulsion ground check, 21.3 s. The aircraft is held on the ground while the open fuselage electronics are checked and the propeller runs.

Ground roll, 6.3 s. The assembled aircraft moves along the pavement during an outdoor ground test.

The aircraft successfully flew and was damaged during landing. The surviving recordings above capture ground testing; no flight recording survives.

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