How to Design Model Aircraft

Design a model aircraft.

Model aircraft are smaller versions of full size airplanes constructed using materials such as fiberglass, polystyrene or balsa wood. There are a range of different sizes and designs built for flying or as stationary models.



When designing a model aircraft you will need to take into consideration the style and size of the aircraft, the type of power that you will use, such as gas or electric.



In addition, the type of model you will design such as static scale, those that are not indented to fly and are commonly built using materials such as metal, plastic or wood.

Things You'll Need

• Supplies specific to your model aircraft design.

Instructions

Design model plane

1. Determine the wing area and aspect ratio. Measure the wing area by calculating the length of the wing times the cord. Measure the aspect ratio by calculating the wingspan squared divided by the area of the wing.

   The wing area and aspect ratio calculation are important as they determine the size of the wings.

2. Design the fuselage. The fuselage is the main body of the aircraft constructed to hold the passengers and crew. The overall design of the model aircraft will determine the design of the fuselage.

   For a detailed description of this process purchase a book about model airplane design or visit a hobby shop where staff will guide you through the process.

3. Design the horizontal stabilizer. The horizontal stabilizer, also known as the tail, is a secured or changeable surface from which to hang an elevator.

   Elevators are control surfaces, commonly positioned at the rear of an aircraft, which determine the aircraft's direction by altering the pitch of the aircraft.

   Depending on the type of plane being built the horizontal stabilizer should be 20 percent to 30 percent of the wing area.

4. Design the vertical fin. The vertical fin is a stabilizer that is a component of the vertical tail structure of the plane. This generally takes up around one third of the area of the horizontal stabilizer, depending on the size of the plane.

5. Conduct enough research to ensure the successful building of your model plane. Talk to people who have had success in building model aircraft or visit shops that specialize in them.

References

• Maxcim: Design Guidelines for Electric Powered Model Aircraft
• Airfield models: Establishing an RC Model Aircraft Design Specification
• Grc.nasa.gov: Horizontal Stabilizer-Elevator
• Grc.nasa.gov: Fuselage