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Foam RC Airplane
by tak145 on January 3, 2009

Table of Contents
Foam RC Airplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Intro: Foam RC Airplane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 1: Airframe Layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 2: Cut it out . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 3: Making the wing control surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 4: Making the elevator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 5: Install Servos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 6: Mounting the motor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 7: Mounting the rest of the electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Step 8: GO FLYING!!! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Advertisements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Intro: Foam RC Airplane

If you are like most RC enthusiasts you have spare spare motors, servos & batteries. This instructable shows you how to make a flat foam airframe in a couple hours.
I've modified free plans from http://www.foamyfactory.com/ for a faster build that is also stronger.
This requires just 1 foam core board that can be purchased from a craft store.
I used the 1/2" thick board instead of the more common 3/16" version I've used in the past.

Step 1: Airframe Layout

Print out the full scale design available free from http://www.foamyfactory.com/
Put the design on poster board so you can easily trace out the design for future builds.
I've found that making just the vertical profile of the fuselage, the whole wing and the tail is all you need.
Trace out the designs on the foam board.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Step 2: Cut it out

Cut out the design using a jig saw. You could also use an Exacto knife but the jig saw is much faster and easier. Cut out the slots where the wing fits and the tail fits as
well. We'll cut the servo mounts out later.

Step 3: Making the wing control surfaces

I do limited stunt flying so all I use are ailerons and the elevator. You can make a rudder for more advanced flying but I left it out of this instructable but you can apply the
same techniques. The simplest control hinge is made from packing tape.
Using the jig saw cut both ailerons at a 30-45 degree angle where the control surface meets the wing. To make the hinge, mate the control surface to the main wing body
at the cut angle and apply the tape along the length. Then fold the control surface the other direction and tape under side of the wing and aileron.
Next, slide the wing through the slot in the airframe. Apply glue to the center of the wing and slide in place. Allow the glue to dry then repeat the taping procedure on the
other side of the wing.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Step 4: Making the elevator

Cut out the slots to fit the elevator in the airframe. See photo for locations.
Instead of angle cutting the elevator (#2), cut the stationary piece labeled #1 in the photo at the 30-45 degree angle just as in step 3.
Slide and glue piece 1 into place. Slide part #2 into place and tape the elevator hinge just as described in step 3.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Step 5: Install Servos

Find your servos and control linkages. The length of the control linkages dictate where the servos should be mounted.
Simulate the locations of the control horns then make an outline of the servo on the airframe. Repeat this for the elevator. Cut out the servo locations.
Use a hot glue gun to fix the servos to the airframe. Screw down the control horns or hot glue them in place.

Step 6: Mounting the motor

Use a table saw to cut out a slot in a block of wood to mount your motor on. Pre-drill the mounting holes in the block. Glue the block to the airframe. Mount the motor to
the block.
I recommend using a folding prop so you can belly land the plane and you won't need landing gear.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Step 7: Mounting the rest of the electronics

You now need to mount the ESC, Radio, and Battery.
I just use tape to mount the electronics.
Use the battery to balance the plane. Make sure the plane balances about 1/3 to 1/2 the wing cord length back from the leading edge of the wing. The further back the
more unstable the plane becomes. Its also easier to do 3D aerobatics.

Step 8: GO FLYING!!!
You are done. Go flying. These planes are light and have very little surface area resistance so they fly well. With the right brushless motor these planes can takeoff
vertically right out of your hand.

Related Instructables

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(video) by Killer
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Water pressure
powered
airplane by
1234567

Projeti Paper
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http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Designing and
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Jason9198

Beginners
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nickademuss

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Comments
50 comments Add Comment

view all 97 comments

Michael.Vizner says:

Jan 13, 2015. 1:29 PM REPLY

I'd like to make your model. I am having trouble getting the plans to load from foam factory. Is there any way you could send me the drawings so that I can
print them out.
Thanks!!!!!!!!

ssuseelan says:

Jan 9, 2015. 4:13 PM REPLY

Is it necessary that the wing should be aerofoil in shape??????

likestobuild says:

Mar 12, 2011. 9:40 PM REPLY

Im kind of a newb with rc stuff so would u recomend I build this model, or should I build a different/easier model?

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:56 AM REPLY

This is a fine trainer but there are better models out there. Google "Foam Trainer Homemade"

snaqvi1 says:

Apr 12, 2011. 4:13 AM REPLY

i have no rc only foam motors and battries wires what isthey needed to made this plane

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:55 AM REPLY

Transmitter, reciever, servos, lipo battery, brushless motor, brushless speed controller

duct tape says:

Sep 18, 2011. 2:08 PM REPLY

It might be easier to cut the foam with a hot wire foam cutter, like this:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Hot-Wire-Foam-Cutting-Nunchucks/

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:54 AM REPLY

I use a foam cutter for similar planes and it works great.

tomtortoise says:

Feb 4, 2012. 12:13 PM REPLY

I have never built an airplane before but i have made robots so i have a Hitec Laser 4, a few standard size servos and some Ni-Mh batteries (1600 mah 9.6v
and 8.4v) im wondering if these servos and batteries are too big, if so what ones should i use, and also what size motor should i get, i have no clue what to
look for in a motor or prop.

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:53 AM REPLY

The servos are too big but the battery could work though no optimal. For a motor look for a brushless 1100kv motor around 60g with a 30A speed
controller.

TomGFuller says:

Apr 25, 2013. 5:26 AM REPLY

What type of servis

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:51 AM REPLY

Use 9g micro servos. They are about 3$ on hobbyking.

ashwini11 says:

Dec 22, 2012. 7:24 AM REPLY

Hey do we have to do any programing while conecting electronics to transmiter and reciever...??

remzak says:

Jan 5, 2015. 4:51 AM REPLY

If you spend around 60-70$ you can buy an Orange Rx computer radio. With this you can program deflection and change what happens with certain stick
inputs. For the beginner though a cheap 25-30$ radio should be fine.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

alexw2150 says:

Apr 29, 2013. 2:12 PM REPLY

No, unless you create a custom flight controller, you rarely ever have to know any programming in the R/C hobby, hope this helped

ssanz aranda says:

Dec 8, 2011. 2:08 PM REPLY

what kind of motor do you use?

remzak says:

Dec 19, 2014. 4:48 AM REPLY

Brushless outrunner ~1000kv

DocMat says:

Nov 16, 2014. 9:32 AM REPLY

Central New York doesn't give many "perfect" flying days, so I've been flying the crud out of multirotors, I'm just getting into planes. I'd rather build and fly
foamies because I know I'm going to crash. And you can pick up 20" x 30" sheets for $.99 and Dollar Tree or Dollar General. There's tons of free plans out
there, things that aren't for beginners and things for the more advanced pilots. If you want a good amount of plans for free (with the option to purchase kits)check out www.flitetest.com. I flew a Nutball for the longest time. They're easy to fly and they take a beating. As far as electronics go- check out Amazon. I
picked up a set of 4 motor/ ESC sets for $30. They're more for multirotors, but they work fine on smaller foamies. I've seen cheaper receivers on Amazon,
but you'd need your own transmitter. You can also pick up smaller 5-9 gram servos for cheap as well. Which are perfect for foamies. As long as you do the
research, anything can be found cheap enough.

NazyaT says:

Oct 27, 2014. 8:11 AM REPLY

u can give me the cm of this diagram plz my bro

sarvesh7 says:

Mar 4, 2014. 10:06 PM REPLY

I am a starter guys, somebody pls tell me what is 'ESC' and 'radio' in this instructable

jcraddock1 says:

Jul 22, 2014. 6:20 PM REPLY

ESC = Electronic Speed Controller Radio = remote control The radio sends signals to your flight controller, the flight controller controls servos and is
connected by a plug into the esc. The esc is hooked to the battery and flight controller unless it has more than one motor. The esc connects to the motor
giving it the power it needs.

ashwintunga says:

Mar 7, 2011. 6:39 AM REPLY

how much is the range of cost of making this

jwestenberg says:

Sep 18, 2012. 7:52 AM REPLY

I guess somewhere around $400 dollars if you have to buy everything.

dagob says:

Jan 18, 2014. 5:31 AM REPLY

$400? No way! If you are a very beginner and have nothing yet to start in the hobby, this is +- what you gonna need: Transmitter and receiver $40, 3
servos $10, Esc $10, motor+ propeller $15, Lippo battery $10, few extra things $15. So around $100. All this you can find at ebay, hobbyking,
banggood and many other online places.

simonyu says:

Aug 8, 2011. 1:58 AM REPLY

what do u use to glue it together???

pva or hot glue gun?

FlameRazor says:

Apr 1, 2013. 5:41 AM REPLY

Hot glue is not too heavy, as long as you dont overuse it.

David97 says:

Mar 11, 2012. 6:54 PM REPLY

I would think that hot glue would be too heavy and pva on foam, too weak. I would buy a contact glue.

charles gray says:

May 20, 2013. 10:17 PM REPLY

Oh man you did a great job i really appriciate you for this foam RC airplane ypour post is very helpful and this is great way to build an cheap Rc plane thanks
for shairng this post.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

tak145 says:

Apr 25, 2013. 3:26 PM REPLY

For this size plane a mini servo works well. Approximately 11-15 grams

White_Wolf says:

Apr 23, 2012. 8:24 PM REPLY

If you get a chance check out this guy's technique for using dollar store foam board.
http://www.youtube.com/user/ExperimentalAirlines/featured
With your talent with this foam you could do some awesome work with foam board. :0)

cillianm564 says:

Aug 11, 2009. 9:27 AM REPLY

I want to build one which material would be better balsa wood or foam

Madrias357 says:

Jun 22, 2010. 11:34 AM REPLY

Foam is easier to fix, and if you ask me, more fun. A crash with foam means tape and glue. A crash with balsa wood means a full repair job.

limppimento says:

Aug 30, 2010. 5:46 PM REPLY

Couldn't agree more. I love to build but I would rather fly than repair. A little tape or foam glue is hardly a repair and your up in three minutes.
Although, Just for the sake of arguement, and to be fair, Balsa repair really is not as bad as some would think(for a minor crash), but it does end your
flying for the day.

Madrias357 says:

Aug 31, 2010. 12:25 PM REPLY

Exactly. A balsa plane crash ends your day. Foam planes, it's time to get out the foam-safe super glue and the fiberglass reinforced tape and
stick the pieces together.

arpruss says:

Sep 17, 2011. 6:06 PM REPLY

Newbie question: What is the foam safe super glue?

(I've had good luck gluing foam with Gorilla glue. I also tried Shoe Goo when I was out of Gorilla glue--it ate up an inch of foam, oops.)

AndyGadget says:

Sep 19, 2011. 2:59 PM REPLY

UHO POR is the glue to use. This is a contact adhesive which doesn't eat the foam and is great for other jobs too.

awang8 says:

Aug 11, 2010. 9:49 PM REPLY

Can this plane actually fly? I've notice that the wing lacks the all-important aerofoil property that provides lift.

tak145 says:

Aug 12, 2010. 5:18 PM REPLY

Yes. The motors are so powerful there is no need to have an airfoil. Check out the videos in this link. http://www.foamyfactory.com/videos.htm

rjoshua2 says:

Jul 25, 2011. 12:27 AM REPLY

from where do you get these motors.All the electronic shops i have been to had no Ac, Dc or any kind of motors. please reply back

bungholio90210 says:

Jul 22, 2011. 8:28 PM REPLY

yes. you do not need an airfoil to create lift. all you need is to turn air down, and by newtons 3rd law, the plane will go up. a flat wing IS an airfoil, just not
as efficient as airfoil's youre thinking of. it is a very simple, and good airfoil for a smaller, 3D RC airplane

absolute zero says:

Jan 1, 2010. 3:40 PM REPLY

where would one go about getting these parts? and how expensive is the plane made in this 'ible?

bungholio90210 says:

Jul 22, 2011. 8:30 PM REPLY

google "hobbyking". cheap rc equipment from china. use paypal on orders though. ive had problems with credit cards through them.

tak145 says:

Jan 14, 2010. 9:17 PM REPLY

There are lots of online rc hobby stores. If you are getting started with a first plane i recommend you buy a brushless plane that has all the components.
When you crash, and everyone does, you can salvage the parts and build a foam plane.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

mathursharad says:

Jan 20, 2011. 7:44 AM REPLY

Hi I can you explain in detail how you actually cut the foam? What kind of knife, technique?
I am also trying to cut foam that is as thick as yours and the edges are not coming out straight. I don't mean the long edge, I mean the short edge that are on
the side of the foam. The reason mine are not straight is because I find it hard to keep the knife at a 90 angle to the cutting mat.
Do you have some tips on how to keep the knife perpendicular to the cutting surface?
Thanks

noumanahmad says:

Jun 30, 2011. 11:58 PM REPLY

plz help me, how can i make foam wing rc plane, email me on noumanahmad43@yahoo.com, plz

tak145 says:

Jan 20, 2011. 6:30 PM REPLY

I use an electric jig saw. See step 3. In that picture I'm showing how to cut the bevel on the control surfaces. The jig saw makes the process go quickly. I
used to use and exacto knife but unless its extremely sharp you'll have to take several passes to cut through the board.

salamasalama says:

Jun 18, 2011. 4:13 AM REPLY

i am the member,but i can't download it.what's that...............

sham1990 says:

Dec 29, 2010. 2:19 PM REPLY

Nice & simple! But its better to make the wing and elevator wing boarder smooth curve for better aerodynamic. Your design good for indoor.

eieio706 says:

Oct 1, 2010. 3:10 AM REPLY

what size motor ? thanks Ray

ciragan says:
if that plane flies, than everything else on earth can do so... no way..

view all 97 comments

http://www.instructables.com/id/Foam-RC-Airplane/

Aug 20, 2010. 5:09 AM REPLY