Floating Cube

[G. A. Stratton]

I have constructed a Floating Cube using the plans and directions as given in RcMicroflight (Sept. 2001). Everything is as specified except the prop. I'm not sure of the brand Lance used, but I've tried ARC carbon fiber 7.5x6 and 8x3. Has anyone made one of these things and actually had it fly? The only other thing that may be my problem is the battery. It indeed is as specified but I'm not sure if it really is putting out the power necessary to get this thing in motion. Mine simply floats to the ground. Let me know if I'm the only one to bite on this. Thanks, G. A. Stratton, a new member to this forum.

[gjohnson]

The original used a Westech prop. I'd suggest using a GWS prop of the same size so you don't risk an expensive CF prop. Did you use the Firefly 4:1 or the 16:1 motor/gearbox? The article specifies a 4:1, which is clearly a mistake given the prop he specifies. I built one, tried it a couple of times in my front yard, not very succesfully. It was erratic! I tabled it after Dave Robelen said he saw the author fly the original inside at the National Building and that is was almost out of control most of the time, and almost dangerous. I think the author completely missled about the stability of this thing in his original article. I put mine on the shelf and removed the components to use elsewhere. I have no plans to use it for anything other than a kite. Ed Couch in Texas has built something similar, but I don't know how well it flew.

Regards, Gordon

[G. A. Stratton]

Thanks for the reply, re non floating cube. I was using the 4:1 FireFly. The thing looked like fun if it had worked, but I too will use the parts elsewhere. G.A.Stratton