Still waiting on engine parts, so we replaced the hub bearings on the rear wheels to help the prototype roll easier and with less friction. We had noticed on our last few runs that there was more...
Switchblade Updates
A STRAIGHT SPIN – October 29, 2021
With the propeller spinner trimmed, it is now mounted with the hub and propellers on the frame so the assembly can be spun to check and adjust to get a true axial rotation of the spinner. If it...
GETTING THE PROP READY – October 27, 2021
The propeller is a pusher propeller, and not everyone knows this, but you actually make thrust from multiple places with a ducted fan. The major thrust comes from the prop itself. A good portion...
COMPOSITE TIDY UP – October 25, 2021
We had a back project to do when we had time, so while we are waiting on a part for the engine assembly, our Composite Team is getting at the tube frame mounts inside the cabin. Bart Long is working...
TAIL MOUNTING FIXTURE ALMOST FINISHED – October 22, 2021
As you may recall, we stiffened the Switchblade's tail earlier. In order to re-mount it correctly, we built a tail fixture to hold the tail while the final mount points are drilled. This allows us...
FIXING A FANCY CONNECTOR – October 19, 2021
We found two connections at the wing root of the right wing that needed a slight modification, and Sean Bliss is shown using a red-colored 3D printed jig to re-drill the holes in our...
REPLACING METAL PORCUPINE QUILS WITH RIVETS – October 14, 2021
As we showed earlier, we are using a piano hinge as a means to join two halves of the curved duct carbon fiber form. In this case, the ‘hinge’ acts as joiner only, and you pull the hinge central...
HIGH TEMP 3D PRINTING – October 14, 2021
As we are spraying our propeller chain drive with oil for the Switchblade flying sports car prototype, we had to design a cover to keep the oil from making a mess out of the engine compartment. The...