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Lightweight Experimental Aircraft Test Platform
What is the LE1?
What is the LE1?
The LE1 is a home-built project that aimed to design and construct an aircraft capable of serving as a testbed for new technologies. The primary goal was to create a testbed that was as light as possible while still allowing for the addition of extra equipment with minimal performance loss. The final aircraft had a wingspan of about 48 inches and a weight of 1.5 pounds, excluding the battery.
Intial Blended Body Wireframe
Intial Blended Body Wireframe
In this photo, you can see the initial wireframe design that I created. To maximize lift, a blended body approach was used, and the primary software I chose for modeling was Creo.
Basswood and Balsa Construction
Basswood and Balsa Construction
I intended to build this aircraft in the most kit-like fashion possible. To achieve this, the entire model was either 3D printed or laser cut. The design also featured cutouts for every stringer and keel piece, making assembly easier.
Final Design Plans
Final Design Plans
On the right, you can see the final design plans for the LE1. The wingspan is roughly 48 inches, and the final weight, excluding the battery, is 1.5 pounds. The aircraft was also designed to belly land, as shown in the side profile. The aircraft is incredibly thin and does not have any landing apparatus.
final-le1-print.pdf
Realizing the Idea
Realizing the Idea
In the picture on the left, you can see a top-down view of the final LE1. The entire model was covered in clear monocoat and was both laser cut and 3D printed at home. The power system included a single brushless motor in a pusher configuration. The battery that powers the aircraft is a 4-cell, 14.8-volt, 2200 mAh LiPo battery.
IMG_1973.MOVMaiden Flight
Maiden Flight
In this video, you can witness the maiden flight of the LE1. My dad was kind enough to hand-launch it, but you’ll notice that the throw caught me off guard as the pilot. Despite that, the flight went as well as I could have hoped. The aircraft had plenty of power and flew very smoothly after some in-flight trimming.
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