Orville: Rubber Powered Canard Model Plane

Inspired by the White Wings "Racer Orville", I had a bit of a learning curve with this one. Canards need a higher angle of attack on the front wing to make them stall first, but I also needed angle of attack on the rear wing to generate extra lift for lower speed. The model still tends to fly a bit nose heavy, but my understanding is that tends to be how canard models fly. It needs a downward bend on the trailing edge of the canards to get it to climb, and once it does it is a stable flyer capable of tight turns. In any case, It makes a futuristic looking model for small fields.

Rubber Bands: I recommend FAI tan rubber from a free flight supplier ( Peck Polymers , FAI Model Supply ). Two loops of 1/16th inch should do well. 1/8 inch will also work, but keep it to one loop. The hook size makes it hard to fit more rubber. Otherwise use what you have, or visit your local office supply source.

Printing: I used basic PLA and 55% infill. Nose weight is important for this one, having all the heavy bits at the back.

Assembly: Wait for parts to cool then carefully remove from the plate.

1. At the two widthwise grooves in the wings, carefully crease so that the wingtips point upwards (plate side up). The angle should be about 30 degrees. Add a drop of glue to the crease to hold the angle. Repeat with the smaller canard.

2. Snap the wing on in the middle of the ridged section. Take care of the hook tabs, they layers are inline with the force. Too much bending can cause them to fail.

3. Snap in the canard next, flat plate side up.

4. Push the hook through the hole in the rear, add the washer to the pointed end. Pre fit the propeller on and check for free rotation. use a file or hobby knife to adjust the fit as necessary. Apply small amount of glue  to the inner hub of the prop, then push it on the hook concave side towards the tail.

5. Loop one end of the rubber band (or rubber band chain) around the capstan in the front. pull that end through the loop to form a hitch. now pull the other end over the hook.

Test Flying: Make a couple of test glides to verify weight and balance by gently tossing the model. If model stalls or undulates while gliding move the wing back. If model lawn darts or dives steeply, move the wing forward. 

Now wind up the model and let it fly. Add aileron trim to correct for any rolling due to torque. Add rudder to set the direction of the turn. If the model fails to climb, bend the tabs on the canard downward, or the tabs on the wing upward. For more information on trimming free flight models read this trimming article at the National Free Flight Society's library.