The Ceiling Tile Delta (CTD) is an electric model aircraft that is easy to build and straightforward to fly.
It is cheap to construct because it's made of polystyrene ceiling tiles, yet it's great fun to operate from a small flying field or park in relatively calm weather.
The CTD can be looped, although it is in no way intended to be aerobatic. The real joy of the CTD comes with its excellent slow-flying characteristics – all thanks to its delta plan-form.
The model is constructed from eight main components cut from several large polystyrene ceiling tiles (size: 500mm x 500mm). The four components that make up the wing are glued together (using an epoxy resin or "foam to foam" adhesive). The rear of the wing is edged with balsa wood, to which the hinged elevons are attached. After the main wing is complete, the fins are glued in place.
The electric motor used on the prototype is a relatively inexpensive brush-type motor with an integral reduction gear and mount.
Alternative electric motors can be installed and it shouldn't be too difficult to fabricate an appropriate plywood mount to fit most types of electric motor directly to the aircraft's keel.
The micro-size radio gear simply sits on top of the airframe. A long strip of velcro is used to attach the battery pack, thus allowing various fore / aft positions, to ensure the correct "centre of gravity" location, no matter what size battery is used.
Of course, there's nothing to stop you using the CTD plan as a basis for your own creation. Phil Rudram of South Africa modified his model as follows: - "The entire model was made out of a single piece of Depron with some 6mmx 12 mm balsa pieces for a keel. The leading edges have 3mm round Birch strips for re enforcing. I have used a Turnigy Park 300 Brushless with an 8 x 38 prop and a two cell 1000 lipo. Follow this link to see it on YouTube. The plane can loop and roll."
Finally, it must be acknowledged that the inspiration for a delta aircraft came from a model called Stratos, designed by the great aerobatic champion Hanno Prettner: Seven times F3A World Champion; eight "Tournament of Champions" victories and sixteen times European Champion.
Note: operating model aircraft can be hazardous if care is not taken.
While the CTD design has been subjected to a thorough Quality Assurance
procedure it must be stressed that the builder requires a certain level
of skill and knowledge to complete the project successfully. For any questions
relating to this model, please feel free to contact us. For questions
relating to model aircraft safety please contact your country's governing
body.
In Great Britain, the British Model Flying Association (BMFA) is the body
delegated by the Royal Aero Club to be responsible for all aspects of
model flying. Membership of the BMFA brings many benefits, including access
to expert advice, a structured achievement scheme and 3rd party liability
insurance of up to £10 million. Visit www.bmfa.org for more information.
Download - CTD construction guide and plan
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