We tested lighting configurations using the wind tunnel model. Almost all of our lighting will be LED, so we used LED lights of appropriate size to simulate the effects on the model and environment...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 2 May, 2015
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Switchblade Updates
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE 14 April, 2015
Our final part of the drag cleanup on the rear quarters of the vehicle included running the whole vehicle through CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) to check airflow and that we haven't created any...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 12 March, 2015
We bolted the hinges to the main wing so that we could test-fit the ailerons and flaps prior to bonding the ribs to the lower skin and spar. To do this we had to temporarily bond ribs in place to...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 6 March, 2015
While the steps below are being done at Samson for the prototype build, you should know that the Switchblade kit will come with these steps completed. In fact, the majority of the wing assembly will...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 22 February, 2015
We had the aluminum pieces made that act within the wing to transmit the pilot's input into the aileron movement, which banks the aircraft left and right. This is called a bell crank (don't ask me...
Switchblade Update: 27 January, 2015
The wing parts and lower wing molds (used to hold the parts in proper shape) were unloaded at the Prineville facility with the help of Composite Approach staff. The molds are very heavy, being of...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 11 DECEMBER 2014
We are getting ready for the assembly of the main wing. As shown in the image below, the main wing has four ribs: one at the wing tip, one between the ailerons and the flaps, one in the middle of...
SWITCHBLADE UPDATE: 17 NOVEMBER 2014
After finishing the left and right wing skins, the molds were made for the wing spar, or main beam. This is the main spar mold for the wing and runs lengthwise along the middle of the wing. There...