Swing Wings!

[Josh Finn]

I'm hard at work coming up with something to replace my Switchblade designs. So far it's been...interesting. On the other hand, this is probably the most radical simplification of a swing wing design ever that's actually capable of being a reliable airplane. Obviously I could take the cheap way out with the Hot Turkey planform, but I'm trying to avoid hinged wings because I want this to be at least somewhat beginner friendly.

Anyway, my failure = your entertainment.

[John Eric Thompson]

I'm hard at work coming up with something to replace my Switchblade designs. So far it's been...interesting. On the other hand, this is probably the most radical simplification of a swing wing design ever that's actually capable of being a reliable airplane. Obviously I could take the cheap way out with the Hot Turkey planform, but I'm trying to avoid hinged wings because I want this to be at least somewhat beginner friendly.

Anyway, my failure = your entertainment.

I like the switchblade kits :-)

Your new design looks even more interesting. It still looked impressive even after part of the left wing was burned. Those A10-3 can be poopy at times ;-)

[Josh Finn]

I like the switchblade kits :-)

Your new design looks even more interesting.  It still looked impressive even after part of the left wing was burned.  Those A10-3 can be poopy at times ;-)

Alas, the second prototype wouldn't launch without shedding parts. #3 is in the works...

[Josh Finn]

Version 3, with a few tweaks, flies great. Enjoy:

[Josh Finn]

A slight change of gears...let's go R/C:

[John Eric Thompson]

A slight change of gears...let's go R/C:





Cool 
When are they available for purchase???

[Josh Finn]

The Fliplock A development program has successfully concluded. You can now buy kits for this new model. Here's the build video:





Here's the product link: http://jhaerospace.com/product/fliplock-...et-glider/

[John Eric Thompson]

The Fliplock A development program has successfully concluded. You can now buy kits for this new model. Here's the build video:





Here's the product link: http://jhaerospace.com/product/fliplock-...et-glider/

Awesome.  I already ordered one and if all is good, I will order more of them :-)

[Josh Finn]

Awesome.  I already ordered one and if all is good, I will order more of them :-)

John, please keep us posted on your progress. Fliplock is completely unique in the rocketry world and I want to make sure it is successful. I've built four of them, but it's probably the most extreme design I've tried.

And in less extreme ideas, the Swingshot, based on the fabulously successful Hot Turkey of the early 80's, is finally available for purchase: You can now enjoy a nice flight video, and you can purchase one if you wish to join me in the R/C rocket craze. It's not an aerobatic model like the Carbonette, but it makes up for this in being one of the easiest to fly R/C models ever. Basically it's the Switchblade XP without the underpowered nonsense. The acceptable power range is about as wide as you could ever hope for.


Flight demo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJi58me4eIM&t=11s

Build video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fobGx8gYfeg&t=4s

[John Eric Thompson]

Awesome.  I already ordered one and if all is good, I will order more of them :-)

John, please keep us posted on your progress. Fliplock is completely unique in the rocketry world and I want to make sure it is successful. I've built four of them, but it's probably the most extreme design I've tried.

And in less extreme ideas new, the Swingshot, based on the fabulously successful Hot Turkey of the early 80's, is finally available for purchase: You can now enjoy a nice flight video, and you can purchase one if you wish to join me in the R/C rocket craze. It's not an aerobatic model like the Carbonette, but it makes up for this in being one of the easiest to fly R/C models ever. Basically it's the Switchblade XP without the underpowered nonsense. The acceptable power range is about as wide as you could ever hope for.


Flight demo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJi58me4eIM&t=11s

Build video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fobGx8gYfeg&t=4s

---

I definitely want to get into the R/C boost glider phase. I will keep you posted as I progress with building the current and latest kit that was purchased.