Verhees D-Plane – Aircraft of the month

The D-plane is a unique all aluminum delta wing aircraft that first flew in the mid 2000’s as a single seater, they expanded the design to a 2 seater.

As an Aerospace engineer with a heavy background in aircraft structures the Delta wing is one of my favorite configurations due to the simple to achieve strength to weight, flight dynamics and they work at all kinds of Renolds numbers from this small D-Plane all the way up to the Vulcan.

2 previous delta wing aircraft of the month include:

Dyke Delta

Avro Vulcan

Company Web Site:

Kitplanes Article:

https://www.kitplanes.com/verhees-d2/

There is a good amount of YouTube videos on the aircraft:

There is even some RC aircraft coverage for this series of aircraft:

https://www.rbckits.com/shop/verhees-delta.html

WWII US Fighter Christmas ornament collection

P51D Mustang

F4U Corsair

P47 Thunderbolt

F7F Tigercat

All 6” in width, 1/8” thick and take around an hour to print each on a standard Ender 3 Style machine, newer tech machines like the Bambu would be even quicker.

Files are up on CG Trader & Cults

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F7F Tigercat
P47 Thunderbolt

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F4U Corsair
P51D Mustang

Sunlu PLA is my main go-to for Filament anymore, they have an excellent 8 pack of colors @ 250G each.

P-51D Cookie Cutter 3D Print

Make cookies or Play-Doh in the shape of one of America’s favorite fighter planes the P-51D Mustang. Recommend using food-safe PLA if used on Cookies.

Print time is under 2 hours on a Standard Ender 3 style printer.

For 3D print and model files check out the Cults & CG Trader links below

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CARBON makes an excellent Food Safe PLA option:

Smart phone charger stand 3D Print

I’ve printed a few of these phone charger stands now and they are very useful.

This charger stand will hold and charge large iPhone’s and other models. Use a 3.5 – 3.625″ wireless charger.

Anker PowerWave Pad Lite + Wireless Charging Pad available from Walmart is an ideal option.

The 70º tilt angle allows you to use and watch your phone while its charging.

Can use normal PLA and 3D Printers.

An Ender 3 can print the gcode in around 7 hours, a more advanced printer like a Bambu would cut this time down a lot.

Models / Files are available on:

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MIKA3D Gold / Copper / Silver combo pack makes for a great PLA option to print out the cell phone holder

2023 Aviators Holiday gift guide – Top 10

#1 Bose A20 Aviation Headset with Bluetooth Dual Plug Cable

Bose has been a market leader in aviation headsets for a while now

No matter why you fly, the Bose A20 Aviation Headset is engineered to improve the experience. It provides acclaimed noise reduction and clear audio with active equalization. Plus, a comfortable fit with minimal clamping force that makes even your longest flights more enjoyable. Features for this model include a high-performance electret microphone with a Bluetooth audio and communications interface, wired audio input, customizable audio prioritization and intuitive operation for plug-and-fly convenience.

  • 30% greater active noise reduction than conventional aviation headsets. Connectivity Technology: Wired/Wireless
  • 30% less clamping force than conventional aviation headsets. The ergonomic control module includes an auxiliary audio input with intercom/AUX priority switching, ideal for dedicated GPS and traffic warning systems
  • Clear audio with active equalization. Simple, intuitive headset operation plug it in, turn it on, go flying
  • Now with Bluetooth audio and communications interface for connectivity with your communications and navigation devices
  • Customizable audio prioritization control lets you mute an audio signal when receiving a communication, or mix the two together

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#2 DC-4 5 panel wall art

I have a similar 4 panel DC-4 wall art panel, its quite impressive in person and a must for aviation decor,

5 Panel 20×20inches ,

Cotton material,with hanging accessory kit Gallery wrapped and stretched with wooden frame on the back,ready to hang High quality printed canvas stretched and stapled to durable shrink resistant frames

high quality canvases which are designed specifically for canvas printing,

10 years will not fade The best presents for your relatives and friends.

A perfect wall decorations paintings for living room,bedroom,kitchen,office,dining room,bar etc

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#3 Tinyhawk 2 II RTF Kit FPV

The Tinyhawk is a great entry into both drones and FPV, this kit gives you everything you need to get started in this very fun hobby.

Included is the aircraft, transmitter, FPV goggles, battery(s), Charger & extra props

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#4 Pilot Blanket

Perfect gift for any pilot:

  • ★ Size:50 x 60 inches, perfect size suitable for all people.
  • ★ Material: Anti-pilling flannel.
  • ★ Quality Fabric: Made of anti-pilling flannel, more comfortable and warm. Light weight, durable, and can be folded compactly. Completely resist shrinkage and wrinkles. Our blanket has a velvety fuzzy feeling, soft touch, anti-pilling, anti-wrinkle, anti-allergic, and non-shedding characteristics. Very suitable for those who are prone to allergies and asthma! With this blanket, you can have a sweet dream at night and maybe unwilling to get out of the fluffy bed in the morning.
  • ★ Washing: Machine wash and hand wash, quick-drying, easy to care, durable, do not use bleach!
  • ★ A Great Gift: Tailor-made gifts for Birthday. It’s a gift that will hold up over the years.

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#5 x20hd transmitter

Get the ultimate RC Transmitter available on the market today:

  • Built-in near 0ms latency HD digital video transmission system (720P 60FPS) – Supports working with HDZero VTX Race V2, etc. (Note: the range is dependent on the VTX power setting in use.) – Supports HDMI Output – 5.8G circularly polarized directional external antennas
  • Built-in TD 900M/2.4G Dual-Band Internal RF Module Supports Multiple Working Modes – 2.4G ACCST D16 Mode (Compatible with ACCST Receivers with D16 V2 or later FW) – 2.4G ACCESS Mode (Compatible with ACCESS Receivers) – 900M ACCESS Mode (Compatible with ACCESS R9 868/915MHz Receivers) – Capable of simultaneous working under ACCESS mode – 2.4G&900M TD Mode (Compatible with TD Receivers)
  • Super-low latency and long-range control with telemetry – Up to 50 to 100KM range and down to 4ms end-to-end latency ● 800*480 Color Touch-Screen Displays ● 6 Quick-Mode Custom Buttons (Front) and 2 Momentary Buttons (Rear) ● Lite Type External Module Bay ● Built-in 6-axis Gryoscope Sensor ● All CNC Metal Trim Knobs
  • Haptic Vibration Alerts and Voice Speech Outputs ● Supports Recharge System for 2S Li-ion Battery (USB Type-C Interface) ● High-speed PARA Wireless Training System (Compatible with FreeLink App3.0) ● High-Precision Hall-Sensor Gimbals with All-CNC Metal Panel ● ETHOS: The more powerful, Flexible and Intuitive OS for your radio. – Clear and Intuitive UI Design
  • Supports Dual Operation Modes of Radio Display (Touch and Non-Touch) – Supports Multi-Language Switching – Hardware/Software Version and Factory Version Detection – Supports running LUA Scripts
  • Backlit touchable LCD resolution: 800*480 ● Compatibility: ACCST D16 & ACCESS & TD series receivers ● Resolution & Frame Rate of HD VTX: 720P 60FPS

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#6 Estes 2 rocket starter kit

Great way to get started with rocketry, you know the other hobby where stuff flies beyond airplanes, helicopters, drones etc. :

  • There’s no thrill quite like launching a model rocket, watching it streak skyward, reach peak altitude, and then return gently to earth. When you build them, the thrill is even better than ever. Thanks to Estes model rocketry, kids can explore the wondrous world of science while experimenting with different combinations of rockets, engines and accessories to better understand how rockets reach outer space.
  • SKILL LEVEL: The Amazon is an easy-to-assemble, Beginner level rocket with pre-colored parts. The Crossfire ISX is an Intermediate level rocket which will help a budding rocketeer develop some basic model building and finishing skills.
  • RECOMMENDED ENGINES: Amazon : B4-2, B4-4, B6-2, B6-4, C5-3, C6-3, C6-5 ; Crossfire ISX : A8-3, B4-4, B6-4, C6-5, C6-7
  • PROJECTED ALTITUDE: Amazon : 600 ft. (183 m) on a C6-5 ; Crossfire ISX : 1150 ft. (351 m) on a C6-7
  • ESTIMATED ASSEMBLY TIME: 1 Hour (painting and glue drying time not included)

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#7 Wall Art Prop

6′ prop for your pilot cave:

  • Wood propellers used to be replaced as often as tires and old ones were usually taken home to be transformed into memorabilia, like a clock for example.
  • Our assortment of early flight artifacts dates back to a time when pioneers conquered the air.
  • All propellers are sculpted in wood, distressed and finished in an aged, smooth patina.
  • Fascinating home décor and a continuation of a flight tradition.
  • The product measures 73.2 L x 5.9 W x 35 H inches.

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#8 Ender 3 Neo Max 3d printer

This is the 1st 3D printer I got and its an excellent choice from the beginner all the way up to a full print farm

  • [Achieve Creative Freedom]: With a build volume measuring 300 x 30 x 320mm, the new Creality Ender-3 MAX Neo allows you to print large projects in one go.
  • [Easy Setup]: 6-minute assembly; The built-in CR Touch auto-leveling kit and color touch screen with rotary knob takes the Ender 3 Max Neo to a new level of ease of use, making it a great 3D printer for beginners.
  • [Improved Experience]: The Ender 3 Max Neo comes with belt tensioner on both X-axis and Y-axis for easier maintenance. In addition, Equipped with silent TMC2208 board and filament run-out sensor, it brings you a smooth 3D printing experience.
  • [Enhanced Stability]: By installing a second Z-axis lead screw, it stabilizes the X-axis gantry and prevents gantry sagging on the Ender 3 Max Neo. The upgraded components are easier to print, improving the printing quality.
  • [Dual Fan Cooling]: Better heat dissipation reduces the chances of filament blockage so that it improves the overall printing precision when you print big. Compared with ordinary 3d printers, the printing speed is faster, which can reach 120mm/s.

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#9 6-pack shirt

A must have for Maverick and Goose:

  • Great gift for Christmas. Are you an aviator or know someone who is an aircraft pilot and loves piloting? Then get this funny top for pilots for someone who loves to fly airplanes. This is the perfect gift for pilots or pilot birthdays.
  • This this funny and humorous charter pilot top if you are the captain of your cockpit. THE ONLY SIX PACK I’LL EVER NEED. This top contains all the cockpit flight instruments and a funny message.
  • Lightweight, Classic fit, Double-needle sleeve and bottom hem

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#10 Pilot Cup Tumbler

Must read the Nutrition Facts on this one:

  • ✈️【The Perfect Pilot Gift】Whether you’re a pilot yourself, know someone pursuing a pilot’s license, or simply have a passion for everything aviation, this tumbler is the perfect addition to your collection. Show off your pilot wings with pride and let this tumbler be a symbol of your love for all things aviation. Not only is this tumbler practical and functional, but it also makes for a thoughtful and aviation-themed gift.
  • ✈️【High Quality-1】This stainless steel cup is made of food-grade stainless steel, bisphenol A-free, double-wall vacuum, durable, not easy to break, and rust-proof. The leak-proof lid provides added convenience and peace of mind, allowing you to enjoy your drinks without worrying about spills or messes.
  • ✈️【High Quality-2】Double-wall insulation provides a vacuum insulated coffee cup with a sweat-proof and non-clotting cup appearance that can keep your drink cold or hot at the right temperature for up to 3 or 9 hours, depending on the outside temperature. This durable tumbler keeps your hot coffee steaming or cold drinks chilled for longer periods, ensuring maximum enjoyment during those long car rides or outdoor adventures.
  • ✈️【Must-Have Accessory for Pilot】Not only is this tumbler practical and functional, but it also makes for a thoughtful and aviation-themed gift. Impress your favorite pilot with this unique and stylish accessory. Surprise the special pilot in your life with this aviation-themed tumbler, inspired by the iconic fighter pilot helmet. It’s an ideal gift for birthdays, anniversaries, or any occasion that calls for celebration.
  • ✈️【With Lid and Straw】20 oz stainless steel cup with 1 unbreakable straight steel straw and 1 bent steel straw, 1 free straw brush and 1 splash-proof sliding cover.

Aerolite 103 video share

This video comes from the Jim Becker YouTube channel. He has many other videos from his 103 on his channel and is well worth checking out.

The video has one of my favorite bands Pink Floyd as the background music.

The Aerolite 103 was the October 2019 aircraft of the month, read more at:

3D Print Adhesion Settings

This Video shows the 3 most critical slicer settings to get good bed adhesion on a 3D print.

I use Cura by Ultimaker for all my 3D printing, its powerful and free, to learn more check out: https://ultimaker.com/software/ultimaker-cura/

First start by unlocking the settings for each item by doing the following

Initial cooling settings, adjust as needed:

Flow settings:

Speed:

PEI Printbed = https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08…

SUNLU PLA = https://www.amazon.com/Filament-SUNLU…

Ender 3 Neo Max = https://www.amazon.com/Creality-Max-N…

Hex Bit holder up on Thingiverse

For anyone who is interested and has a 3D printer I have a 1/4″ hex bit holder up on Thingiverse for free.

Typically used in Impact Drivers and Drills.

Each individual holder, will hold 10 standard hex bits. the tray can fit 5 holders for a grand total of 50 hex bits.

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:6216417

For a quick Product Review I used the SUNLU brand of Filament from Amazon, Print quality was very good and I would Highly recommend it.

Custom Print Settings in Cura:

Initial flow 150%

Initial Speed 10mm/s

Fan off up to 6mm

#AM

Jeffair Barracuda – Aircraft of the Month

Geoffrey Siers was a former RAF pilot and engineer for Boeing developed the Barracuda in the 1970’s.
Its all wood construction and Geoffrey was inspired by de Havilland Mosquito
For those with an EAA membership you can check out all the sport aviation articles online for this aircraft. here is the EAA page on the Barracuda: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/aircraft-building/kits-and-plans/00—c/barracuda
According to the EAA web page plans and kits are no longer available but existing projects may be on Barnstormers (www.barnstormers.com), Trade-A-Plane (www.trade-a-plane.com)
Not too many videos on YouTube for it due to the development fan fair being decades ago and not too many are built.

There is a small FB group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1108372082521169/

Sun-n-Fun in Lakeland has had one on display for decades now:

When I was in EAA chapter 99 (Vero Beach Fl / 04 – 08′) one of the chapter
members Ernie was building one, here is a few under construction photos from
him:

 

I could not find any RC options on outerzone but with a good amount of photos of it on the Internet Cad’ding one up would not take too long for someone with the right skills.

A-10 Warthog – Aircraft of the Month

With the recent War in Ukraine I was thinking about how the A-10 is still a very relevant and highly effective weapon system. While I’ve worked on several military aircraft the engineering behind the A-10 has always impressed me more than anything I got a chance to work on. It was born from bloody lessons learned in the Vietnam. The design was driven by the needs of the solders on the ground, the aircrews and maintainers. A lot can be learned from this mindset when it comes to military hardware design.

The first flight was in 1972 and it entered service in 1977, the production run was only 8 years with over 700 built.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fairchild_Republic_A-10_Thunderbolt_II

There is quite a few videos on YouTube about the aircraft here are a few:

Of course the A-10 has quite the attitude, here some classic memes:

The A-10 is also a popular R/C model with many brands, sizes and power available:

E-Flite has 2 options, a 30mm EDF and a 64mm EDF

30mm EDF,
64mm EDF
Amazon has a ton of A-10 Merch as well:

For starters how about a 30mm dummy round as a conversation starter, ender or just general pilot cave decoration

Lets not forget some proper air show attire:

Revell has a very detailed 1:48 Scale A-10 with over 160 parts:

#AD