CTD - RC Electric Delta
The CTD is an electric model aircraft that is easy to build and straightforward
to fly. It is cheap to construct and great fun to operate from a small
flying field or park in relatively calm weather.
The model can be looped, although it is in no way intended to be aerobatic.
The real joy of the CTD comes with its excellent slow-flying characteristics
– all thanks to its delta plan-form.
The electric motor used on the prototype is a relatively inexpensive
brush-type motor with an integral reduction gear and mount.
Alternative electric motors can be installed and it shouldn't be too
difficult to fabricate an appropriate plywood mount to fit most types
of electric motor directly to the aircraft's keel.
The micro-size radio gear simply sits on top of the airframe. A long
strip of velcro is used to attach the battery pack, thus allowing various
fore / aft positions, to ensure the correct "centre of gravity"
location, no matter what size battery is used.
CTD actually stands for "Ceiling Tile Delta" since the prototype
was constructed using polystyrene tiles. These days, polystyrene ceiling
tiles are hard to find and in any case superior materials are now readily
available. For information on creating a CTD (or mini CTD) from depron
take a look at Phil Rudram's
excellent page.
Success has also been achieved with a scaled-down version of the CTD
constructed from 5mm Vitrex underlay board - available in the UK from
Screwfix
Finally, it must be acknowledged that the inspiration for this delta
aircraft came from a model called Stratos, designed by the great aerobatic
champion Hanno Prettner: Seven times F3A World Champion; eight "Tournament
of Champions" victories and sixteen times European Champion.
Note: operating model aircraft can be hazardous if care is not taken.
While the CTD design has been subjected to a thorough Quality Assurance
procedure it must be stressed that the builder requires a certain level
of skill and knowledge to complete the project successfully. For any questions
relating to this model, please feel free to contact us. For questions
relating to model aircraft safety please contact your country's governing
body.
In Great Britain, the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) is the body
delegated by the Royal Aero Club to be responsible for all aspects of
model flying. Membership of the BMFA brings many benefits, including access
to expert advice, a structured achievement scheme and 3rd party liability
insurance of up to £10 million. Visit www.bmfa.org for more information.
Download
- CTD construction guide and plan
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