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Back n' Forth

26.9k Sunnyskies  8.5 years ago
14 downloads

This plane is a proof-of-concept testbed for reversible flight direction. This plane can take-off, fly, and land in either direction, and can even change direction mid-flight. The key here is using the counterweight pylon (VTOL-controlled) to shift the center of mass forward and back depending on your direction. Lean it toward your desired direction of travel. Use AG1 to activate forward engines, and AG2 to activate reverse engines. Be wary, the modified CoM is still pretty close to the CoL, so it has a tendency to spin wildly with aggressive inputs. You must fly the plane carefully. I have flight tested the plane in forward and reverse, and it can indeed fly, takeoff and land in both directions. EDIT: added dead weight to fix the spinout problem.

General Characteristics

  • Created On Windows
  • Wingspan 45.7ft (13.9m)
  • Length 42.7ft (13.0m)
  • Height 18.2ft (5.5m)
  • Empty Weight 11,019lbs (4,998kg)
  • Loaded Weight 12,649lbs (5,737kg)

Performance

  • Power/Weight Ratio 3.553
  • Wing Loading 43.1lbs/ft2 (210.6kg/m2)
  • Wing Area 293.3ft2 (27.3m2)
  • Drag Points 4810

Parts

  • Number of Parts 44
  • Control Surfaces 4
  • Performance Cost 332