Ted's High School (Columbus East), has a Senior Project program in which a senior must complete a project of their choice (with school approval) as a major part of their Senior English grade.

In honor of the the 2003 centennial of the first powered, controlled flight, Ted chose to build and fly  scale R/C model of the Wright 1903 Flyer.  Ted also had to submit a research paper defending the Wright Brothers claim that they were indeed the first to have a successful, heavier than air, controllable flying machine.

Ted chose the 1/12 scale Dare Models "fun scale" kit. We're talking "stick and tissue" here, not that much different than the wood and fabric Orville and Wilbur used. The flyer will be powered by two electric motors and will have have a micro R/C receiver and micro servos.  Construction began during Christmas break in Dec. 2002, with a goal of completion by the middle of April 2003 (a little optimistic Ted found out).. 

Here are some pictures of his progress. Ted may add his own commentary and more build notes at a later date.

Click on the image to see them larger

Very calm, cloudy skies, with a chance of rain on the way. This was it -- probably the last attempt he'd have to test fly it before his Senior Project presentation (in two days!). The first flight was slightly better than the previous day. BUT IT FLEW! Still little response to right rudder. Too much torque!* Taking a cue from one of the build articles he had read, Ted tried decreasing the diameter of the right prop to try to get to less left torque. There was a small improvement. A total of 7 short flights (including the one the previous day), totaling  2:13 were made . This is not a great flying airplane (it may never be), but  it sure looked magnificent in the air! And Ted's grin from ear to ear was great! Unfortunately, damage to the tail struts was sustained in the last "landing". Minor repairs had to be made for his Senior Project presentation (in two days). Ted has decided not to fly it for the demonstration portion of the project (a wise decision). He would have to fly it in the gym, and at this point, it's not flying well enough to safely fly in such a restricted location.  There are a couple of things he'll try soon (possibly a second speed controller** or different props) that should make the Flyer a better flyer. There may also be the possibility of an erratic rudder servo causing some problems.

Mom and Dad are very proud and impressed by this whole effort.  Very.

* The original Wright 1903 flyer had contra-rotating propellers ( they rotated in opposite directions), thus eliminating torque issues.  This model doesn't have that capability (the type of props needed are not available, that we know of, unless you hand carve them).