This whole experiment started out as a challenge to myself. I wanted to see if I could make this design fly. It was a rollercoaster ride getting it flying but once the CG was right, it flew fantastically.
DARPA and the Military reaching out to me to congratulate me on getting it flying and enjoying my video will always be so special for me. This design will always hold special place. It will be hanging on my wall and Ill bring it out to the field to show it off.
The X-65 is an easy intermediate to fly. Its a little large so hand launching it needs a good throw but it flies amazingly well. Once its flying it flies like a trainer. It has a great glide slope and lands very soft.
https://youtu.be/icKXFWH1HEw
Final check flights
Maiden Flight!https://youtu.be/XKQgvmeApjI
Build Along video https://youtu.be/-YeCPQM3ONs
Parts Needed
-Xfly 50mm EDF Cant find the fan only so you can cut the housing off this https://a.co/d/j7qXp54 or this fan alsohttps://a.co/d/iLyumu9
-Any 40amp ESC
-1 long or two regular sets of ESC wire extensions https://a.co/d/atPzy4W
- Four 4.3g micro servos https://a.co/d/0wG704B
-Two 17" and two 13" 8mm carbon tubes https://a.co/d/50FQxl7
- Servo wire extensions https://a.co/d/e2I9H1b
-1.2 mm push rod https://a.co/d/50FQxl7
-velcro for the ESC and Battery
- Hot glue for EDF,servos and EDF hatch
As for a pre flight checklist. Dont go behind the CG bumps! shake the jet so the wires slide back as if youre hand launching it. then test the CG!
Control throws should be almost maxed out. run the elevator or pitch at 100% or maybe more
roll should be near full also. it has the correct control surface size so you cant really mess up. Start the maiden with a small up trim or reflex. maybe 8 clicks.
You will run the servos in quad elevon. Two servos on the right do the same thing and the two on the left work together.
3D printing settings
Always dial your specific printer in for LW PLA (active foaming)
once you have, use these settings
1 wall
2 top and 2 bottom layers
3% grid infill for everything but FUSE 5! Fuse 5 is the one youll be gripping like a football to throw her. you may want to print this at 5% grid so it has more stiffness.
Control surfaces can also be 5% grid for extra strength.
x65 / x-65