Last Update: 07.11.2020
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Application
The Aurora TT is not only pitched as a low-weight high-end F3K performer but also as a resilient model for daily use. I’m not into F3K competition. So the latter is what I purchased the Aurora for. Not only will it have to take thermal lift, but also low winds at the slope. As a consequence, guiding principles for the build will be:
- Durability goes before saving weight
- Ease of use goes before leading edge performance
And, as usual, Flying Tom’s build and safety standards apply.
Receiver and Antennae Position
External antennae are required because Aurora is full carbon without 2.4GHz-friendly forward fuselage.
Considerung the issue, I have to face the fact that I am not an elite DLG pilot. Clumsy landings in rough terrain once in a while prohibit antennae exiting the carbon hull through the lower surfaces. Landing into the hand often means grabbing the plane by the nose rather than the launch peg. So the fuselage in front of the wing’s leading edge should also be free of delicate obstacles.
What does that mean for the layout? – The receiver will go into the fuselage somewhere under the wing with the antennae protruding the tail boom laterally, far enough behind the trailing edge to avoid excessive radiation shielding by the wing.
These receivers might fit the setup:
- Jeti Duplex R5L EX (5 channels with telemetry)
- Spektrum AR637T (6 channels with telemetry). Whether the built-in SAFE stabilizing system will do any good in a DLG is yet to be tested.
- Futaba R3004SB 2,4 GHz T-FHSS (4 channels with telemetry)
„Tail Feathers“ Steering Linkage
I’ve never been a patron of the string and spring steering linkages normally used with competition DLGs these days. That is because of the fiddly work to set it up and maintain it. But also, and more importantly, because of the permanent tension imposed on the structure by the high-strung steering linkage. Thus, my daily flyers usually get a conventional 0.5 mm steel rod linkage guided by 1.8 mm polystyrene tubing. Weight is about 4 grams per metre, resulting in a weight punishment of 6 to 7 grams over the string and spring type for rudder and elevator of an average DLG. However, with a risk of ending up tail-heavy if not compensated properly.
It goes without saying that Aurora came with a coil of strings and two torsion springs. For this time, as a test for long-term behaviour, I’ll try to overcome my misgivings and build it this way.
Addendum 01.11.2020: The above decision was thrown over board no sooner than when the linkage build was almost completed. See Composite RC Gliders Aurora TT – Build Report – Empenage.
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