styrofoam protection

[carmatic]

hi , if i have a belly lander thats made of styrofoam, what do i put on the plane's belly to let it land without damage? like something thats very light and very strong, or something...

[aeropal]

Sometimes cutting a section out of a plastic soda pop bottle or milk jug will more or less match the contour of a foam fuselage bottom, and act as a "skid strip". Try attaching it with a couple of small dabs of silicone adhesive (http://www.acehardware.com/product/index.jsp?productId=1419007&cp=&keywords=silicone+adhesive&y=6&searchId=5401116783&x=6&parentPage=search).

Some types of plastic drywall anchors can be modified and used as "skids".

[Ron S]

Try a strip of flat carbon fiber. I fly 3-D foamies(with no landing gear) it works great. Also try to fly over grass fields,it's much easier on the planes. Come in for your landing and apply up elevator,untel you have a Harrier style approach,as the tail touches down chop the power. You will kinda pan cake land it,with very little sliding. Hope this helps. Ron :)