Rocket-Powered 21-Foot-Long X-Wing Model Actually Flies (Updated: Built-in R2-D2

[Chief]

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/star-wars/rocketpowered-21foot-long-xwing-model-actually-flies-updated-new-pics-show-it-even-has-builtin-r2d2-305976.php

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v645/SeniorChieftain/X-Wing35.jpg

Andy Woerner and his crazy rocketeer friends have built a 21-foot long X-Wing model that can actually fly. Yes, this is a real X-Wing powered by four solid-fuel rocket engines complete with radio-controlled moving wings. It blasts off in California next week, and we talked with Andy about the project, and how they expect it will do. All the details and a full construction gallery after the jump.

The X-Wing model is huge. At 21 feet long and with a wingspan of over 19 feet it is, in fact, big enough to fly a kid in. However, knowing that it will be powered by solid-fuel rockets, they wouldn't put a kid, dog, monkey or Gizmodo editor inside, even if it uses three full parachutes to land.

After drawing the plans using CAD software, Andy's team and his friends at Polecat Aerospace (with the help of RMS Laser and Aerotech Consumer Aerospace) used laser cutting to make the pieces out of Baltic Birch wood. They also used solid aluminum for some parts, like the rods which are the pivot point for the wings.

**SCHNIPP**

Give these guys a web hit, and go check out the construction pics hey have on thier site. I can't wait to see this one fly, and they say thier first attempt will be on October 10...

Developing....

;D

[Waterbuffalo]

Looks like an interesting idea. Though it does need a better Power source for flight than rocket fuel or dried power fuel.

[Chief]

I was thinking the same thing. Four ducted fan engines ought to give it quite a push...or why not go whole gog and install four jet turbines. They aren't cheap, but with the right powerplants, there should be no reason why sustained flight shoulld not be possible.

The trick is mastering the transition from flat to x=wing configuration, because for a certain period during the tansition itself, turbulence would llikely stall all four inside surfaces until a point is reached that allows a smooth airflow to return over all aerodynamic surfaces.

Also, you're talking about some thin and highly critical wingforms when the x opens, and that means high speed only. Interesting control problem at the very least, probably requiring atleast two different transmitters for control; one pilot to fly, one flight engineer to configure the craft.

You would also need extensive computer mixing of flight controls on all four wings, open and closed; along with a thorough understanding of what the stall onset looks like, because if you stall that thing on approack, it will glide like a brick. Low and slow is a recipe for making very expensive toothpicks...

Neat possibilities though...

[Waterbuffalo]

Sounds like a similar situation with the F-117 Fly-by-wire controller computer or the B-2's computer that basically does the same thing.

A computer that controls the basic flying that a cognizant can no longer do because the airplanes fly so fast and the flight surfaces are no so unmaginable. If you have seen the B-2 before the made her maiden voyages with out this computer you'll know why all of our stealth and F-22 fighter has this computer.

[Chief]

You might be surprized at how sophisticated model aviation R/C gear has become over the past decade or so. There are models out there right now that fly only because of the extremely sophisticated computerised mixing abilities in the radios they sell these days.

[Waterbuffalo]

Sounds like people have had too time on their hands to get computer programming done and put into those radios to fly those things.

Do wish these people the best in their flights.. R/C planing is an expensive hobby I can't afford, but is fun to watch.

[Chief]

About 15 years ago a very patient machinist came up with a true jet turbine engine that would fit into a model aircraft. Since then the designs have continued to improve, and now you can buy a real jet engine for your model Mig, or put a pair into your 1/4 scale F-14 that includes sweept wings.

There are models out there that are going so fast, they are unflyable without assistance from computerized radios. Model helicopters were that way from the start, and someone came up with an inexpensive model gyroscope that could fly the tail rotor for you, and simplified hovering considerable. Those same gyros are now being used on enormous scale model jets in order to fly them.

http://www.metacafe.com/watch/32062/b52_crash/

That is a link to a short vid of a model B-52, powered with eight model gas turbine engines flying and crashing at a meet in Britain. As I understand it, that model took 3 radios to operate; Radio 1 for primary flight control surfaces, Radio 2 for just the throttles, and radio three for all other auxilliary functions, main landing gear retracts, flaps, slats, and wingtip retracts.

That was likely close to $20,000 worth of model airplane that you just watch go up in smoke....

[Waterbuffalo]

Here is what happened to your X-Wing thingy.. (need flash to watch..)

http://gizmodo.com/gadgets/boom/x+wing-rocket-launches-disintegrates-mid+air-307945.php

[Chief]

yep...Irrestable Force meets Immovable Object. Too much whoop-ass in the engines they chose, although it did look pretty spectacular for a very brief moment...

[Waterbuffalo]

It went up, then down, just like any other rocket? :-) Looked like a 25K fireworks show..