Kodo is a proof of concept that 3D printing can be used for building RC planes.
It was designed as a multipurpose glider that does it all and I really think that this goal has been fulfilled very well.
It can circle in thermals but also penetrate the wind on the slope.
It can be flown by a beginner but also by skilled pilot.
It can be build with motor but also as pure glider.
It is big enough to be visible in the air and small enough to transport.
Check out Kodo thread on RCGroups
| part | dimensions | count |
|---|---|---|
| carbon tube | ⌀ 2x1 mm ↔ 1 m | 3 |
| carbon tube | ⌀ 4x3 mm ↔ 1 m | 3 |
| carbon tube | ⌀ 6x4 mm ↔ 1m | 1 |
| carbon tube | ⌀ 10x9 mm ↔ 520 mm | 1 |
| carbon rod | ⌀ 3 mm ↔ 220 mm | 1 |
| carbon rod | ⌀ 4 mm ↔ 250 mm | 1 |
| covering film | ↔ 2 m | 1 |
| push rod * | ↔ 80 cm | 2 |
| pinned hinge | ↕ ↔ 16x28 mm or smaller | 10 |
| folding propeller | up to ↔ 10 inch | 1 |
| spinner | ⌀ 40 mm | 1 |
| other common accessories (clevises, servos, motor, esc ...) |
This is by no means the best way possible how to setup your plane.
This is just list of affordable parts that I believe could be good starting point for beginners.
Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 2836-1040kv Brushless Outrunner
With this motor Kodo will be no rocket. But it is enough for a little bit of fun. On top of that,
it will fit nicely into the fuselage and you should have no problem setting the CG.
Suitable propeller sizes: 9x6, 9x7, 10x6.
HobbyKing 40A BlueSeries Brushless Speed Controller
Optionally you can use programming card but It should work fine out of the box.
Turnigy nano-tech 950mah 3S 25~50C Lipo Pack
or Turnigy 1250mAh 3S 30C Lipo Pack (Long)
These are a few of many options if you are going for as light plane as possible to do more gliding and thermal flying. In this case you can move ESC and battery
into the front of the fuselage next to each other (parallel config). You can choose other battery but keep your size and weight within these limits if you want to go light.
Turnigy nano-tech 1500mah 3S 25~50C Lipo Pack
This is again one of many options if you want to fly more using motor. For heavier batteries you need to put ESC into the front of the fuselage area and battery behind it (series config).
This depends on your transmitter. Only requirement is to have 5 channels or 4 if you are going for pure glider (no motor).
Turnigy™ TGY-9018MG MG Servo
It is an analog servo with metal gears for reasonable price. You can use 4 of these (2 in the wings, 2 in the fuselage) and they will fit everywhere just fine.
