Wot 4 Mk 3

  

 HardwareComments
Type: High wing aerobatic  
Source: Chris Foss kit.  Converted to electric. Summer 2023 - Summer 2024
Material: Balsa  
Wingspan: 1420mm  
Length:  1190mm  
Take off weight:  2018g  
Controls: Ailerons, Elevators, Throttle, Rudder  
Receiver: Radiomaster DBR4 Gemini ELRS with 10 ch CRSF to PWM converter 3.5.3
Battery: 4S 3000mAH  
Motor:  T-Motor AS2820 880KV  Was OS Max 40 FP before conversion
ESC: HobbyKing 80A  
Propeller:  12" X 6" (30cm X 15cm)  
HD Camera  N/A  
FPV Camera  N/A  
Landing gear  Fixed   

 

 

My original electric conversion of the Wot 4 used a motor and ESC from a crashed plane. Bench testing of this was successful but at the flying field the motor burned out on take-off.

I installed a brand new motor T-motor AS2820 880KV from HobbyRC and designed and 3D printed a suitable mount (Creality cloud / Thingiverse).

After balancing and checking all linkages, control surfaces etc. I headed down to the flying field (North Down Model Aircraft Club) on a lovely Mayday.

One of the best pilot's at our club, Keith Malcomson, agreed to maiden it for me.  The 6 minute maiden flight went well. Keigth suggested that I add a bit of expo to the ailerons as he felt it was a bit twitchy.

Given the state of the plane after the crash and the amount of glue and reinforcing (all adding weight), I am really happy that it flew as well as it did.

 

Wot 4 in pieces after crash. Wot 4 rebuilt

 

 

 

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After trying a few prototype motor mounts I eventually refined the mount design and made a final mount.  The protorypes were made from balsa for quickness but the final mount is made from 6mm ply and spruce.

Wot 4 electric conversion, motor mount prototype 1 Wot 4 electric conversion, prototype motor mount 1 with cowl fitted. Wot 4 electric conversion, final motor mount.

As the wing on the Wot 4 takes a bit of time to fit and remove, and as there was a hole in the fuselage where the receiver on / off switch was, I decided that I would fit an external battery switch. Unfortunately 60 amp switches proved to be too heavy and  bulky so I fitted a mounted external XT60 connector and brought an XT60 battery extension lead out through the existing hole.  This now allows me to connect up the 4s 4000maH battery and fit the wing before powering up the model.

Wot 4 electric conversion, external battery connector.

The only things left to do are to work out the positioning of the battery to achieve the proper centre of gravity and make the battery mount. The initial indication is that with the battery located just in front of the leading edge line the CoG is spot on.

Wot 4 conversion, almost finished.

 

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I have decided to convert the Wot 4 to electric power.  I have a spare motor and 60A ESC.

My initial look at the physical motor size, old engine size etc. indicate that I might be able to just make a suitable adapter and mount the electric motor using the original nitro engine mount.

I will upload photos and add articles as I progress...

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The rebuild of the Wot 4 is now complete.  Just need to wait until the better weather in the spring to see if it flies OK.

 There are pictures of the rebuild in the gallery.

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I have eventually got around to starting the rebuild of the Wot 4.  I have been taking pictures throughout the rebuild and I will be uploading them when the rebuild is complete.

For the meantime here is a picture of it before the crash:

Wot 4 before crashAnd after:

 Wot 4 after crash

 
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  1. Wot 4 balancing tips
  2. First flight

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