70 Series - F4U 70% (The Original Concept Build) - Development Log

Development of the Proof-of-Concept Began in January 1, 2006

*** KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS IS THE VERY FIRST PROJECT AS A NEW COMPANY  ***

My picture to come, so check back!

NOTES:

• The scale of the Proof-Of-Concept is NOT to the Final-Scale.  A clear increase in scale was needed to increase the size of the engine cowl to allow for more engine choices..

• The method of development used back then is no longer used.

  • You will notice that the original concept was more like a WAR Aircraft Replica Design rather than a monocoque design like it is in the 75%.

• Original concept of this aircraft was to be a scaled up version of the 50% WAR corsair for larger pilots that can not fit in the cockpit of a WAR.

• The planned Aircraft:

  • Target Engine is the Rotec R2800, however the later design (not Pictured) will accomodate the R3600 and M14P.

  • Single Passengers

• Wooden inner structure with Plywood Formers

• Foam and fiberglass construction.

• Investment: N/A

• Status:  Shelved
  

March-26-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)         Original Concept Drawings

June-18-2006     70% F4U Project ;  (Concept Build) The last CAD concept drawing on record

June-14-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)

May-14-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)

May-13-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)                            Jennifer was coming to the shop with Wes more ofter so I put her to work.  Turns out she is REALLY good!  Melody, our original Angel investor stopped by to see what all the fun was about.  I tried to put her to work too but she was off to a business meeting with her husband.

May-11-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)          Tail Gear Design.

May-07-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)

May-06-2006     70% F4U Project (Concept Build)

April-30-2006     70% F4U Project    We got a few more formers cut and placed onto the inner frame. Pic 3 shows the inner piece of the main spar being fitted. We didn't have CNC equipment back then so we wound up making many versions before we got a good fit. Notice the new tail piece that is dry fitted. I'll add lightening holes later.

April-29-2006     70% F4U Project    We glued in gussets and other supports early in the day. After the resin cured, we put the body formers in place to check fit and to see if there are any glaring mistakes in my design. We played with the spar a bit before heading out for the night.

April-22-2006     70% F4U Project    We laminated layers together to make the upper and lower spar caps similar to the way that WAR makes them. In photo 2, Wes finishes installing the cross members of the fuse and he sets the assembly on end so it's out of the way for now. He and I put a few finishing touches on the body former templates and stop for the night.

April-18-2006     70% F4U Project    I got in too much of a hurry and hot-wired the horizontal stabilizer before Wes got to the shop that day. You see that I didn't manage to keep the wire straight and I cut into the leading edge. This lesson will eventually lead to a new correction techniques that I use to this day.

April-08-2006     70% F4U Project    Wes works on the cross members of the inner cage. When finished, Wes holds the sides up to get an idea of just how big 30% of the final scale will be.

April-01-2006     70% F4U Project    Scale Model Begins! And look!   my first ever volunteer, Wes.   Don't ask who the guy is on the bottom.  ...he thinks he owns the joint!

March-26-2006     70% F4U Project    Scale Model Begins!

March-25-2006     70% F4U Project    Scale Model Begins! Playing around with the tail fin and rudder design.