Sphinx Moth natures inspiration for flight

/ Spencer Gould

Fueling up at a gas station today next to the car was one of my favorite insects, a Sphinx Moth, also known as a hawk moth

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sphingidae

https://www.butterfliesandmoths.org/species/Eumorpha-fasciatus

It’s black and sand gold color pattern is quite striking and the delta planform while resting reminds me of some delta wing RC aircraft I’ve designed in college (green) and when I worked for piper (blue)

of course in flight the Sphinx is no different than any other Moth or butterfly 🦋 with a tandem / low sweep planform

Grip Lock Ties – Product of the month

/ Spencer Gould

This Months product of the month is called Grip Lock Ties.

I learned about it by watching Mike Patey’s Scrappy update video (see below) This is one of his companies products and is a perfect solution for both Home Built aircraft and UAV’s / RC / Drones.

Typical zip ties while cheaper can slide and or cut wiring and soft tubing. The unique feature with these is the rubber lined grip that keeps the tie in place and cushions what it is gripping. They are also removable unlike traditional zip ties that have a one way only function.

See more about these on Mikes latest video.

https://www.griplockties.com/

 

Perfect for:

  • Electrical wiring
  • In powerplant cable management
  • 3 phase wiring & power distribution on Drones / UAV’s
  • Pitot Static Systems / Break lines

 

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Christen Eagle – Aircraft of the month

/ Spencer Gould

One of my favorite Acrobatic Biplanes is the Christen Eagle, I first got to see the eagle in action with the eagles acrobatic flight team consisting of Tom Poberezny, Charlie Hillard & Gene Soucy in the early 90’s at Oshkosh.

The Eagle was designed to compete with the Legendary Pitts Special in the late 70’s

Wikipedia:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aviat_Eagle_II

For those interested in a Kit or Plans:

Aviat, Inc.
Box 1240
672 S. Washington
Afton, WY 83111

Telephone: 307-886-3151
Fax: 307-886-9674

Website: http://www.aviataircraft.com

EAA Resources:

https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/kits-and-plans/00—c/christen-eagle

 

RC aircraft on Outerzone:

50″ Span, 1980 Publication date, .40 – .60 glow power

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=4560

 

62″ Span,

https://outerzone.co.uk/plan_details.asp?ID=6164

RC Glider England distance record with James May – Video Share of the month

/ Spencer Gould

This one’s the longest video I’ve shared so far, I found it fascinating.

James May from Top Gear has quite a bit of YouTube Content, This video came up on my suggested feed.

Check out his channel called Reel Truth Science Documentaries

The shielding & cradle mechanism / structure to support the fragile balsa glider under a helicopter was truly impressive.

The autopilot board looks like an APM 2.8

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High Top Creeper Workstation – Product of the month

/ Spencer Gould

The High Top Creeper Workstation by XtremepowerUS is an ideal solution for repair facilities or individuals who work on large trucks and aircraft.

Body weight is supported by the frame that goes to the ground, Castoring wheels allow for easy moving.

 

  • Great equipment for getting to the engine from the top of the vehicle. Allows extended periods of time spent bending over the engine without the effect of painful fatigue.
  • Allows the technician to reach 40% more area around the front of most vehicles and equipment
  • The thick padded deck to deliver support while working on your car, truck, boat, or airplane
  • (4) casters slide easily around the shop. Two of them lock once the unit is properly positioned giving the user plenty of leverage
  • Collapsible Frame: Yes; Max Weight Capacity: 400lbs; Overall Dimension: 33-1/4″(W) x 54-1/4″(L) x 48″ to 66-1/2″(H)

 

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