Building and Testing an RC Model of the Caspian Sea Monster Ekranoplan
0:03 Introduction: The video outlines the ambitious project of building an RC model of a Soviet-era Ekranoplan, similar to the Caspian Sea Monster, using various techniques like 3D printing, hot wire cutting, fiberglassing, and CNC machining.
0:14 Project Goal: The initial goal is to create a functional ground-effect vehicle, with potential future development into a test platform for advanced surface drive propulsion methods.
0:42 3D Printing: ASA Arrow filament, known for its foaming properties that result in lightweight yet durable parts, is used with a Bamboo Lab Carbon X1 3D printer for various components.
1:36 Wing and Tail Construction: XPS insulation foam is hot-wire cut for the wings and tail, reinforced with carbon fiber tubes and Gorilla Glue. Packaging tape is used for control surface hinges.
2:20 Tail Reinforcement: Due to the tail's initial flimsiness, a significant amount of reinforcement is added using fairing compound and carbon fiber, although this is noted as overkill for a tail with tape hinges.
4:01 Wing Composite Skin: The wing is covered with a composite skin using 2 oz fiberglass and a Mylar film technique for a smooth finish. A Kevlar strip is used for the aileron hinge.
7:04 Fuselage Assembly: Multiple 3D-printed sections are joined using carbon fiber tubes and Gorilla Glue to form the fuselage. A custom latch mechanism is created for the electronics access hatch.
8:24 Motor Mounts: Four motor mounts are 3D printed using ASA Arrow material. The mounts incorporate thrust vectoring flaps controlled by servos.
9:21 Fiberglass Reinforcement: The 3D-printed fuselage is reinforced with a layer of 2 oz fiberglass for added strength.
10:35 Tail and Pontoon Installation: The pre-built tail section is attached, and 3D-printed wingtip pontoons, waterproofed with epoxy, are screwed into place.
11:05 Electronics: A Pixhawk flight controller is used for motor and servo mixing, utilizing a significant number of its output channels.
11:51 First Test: The model looks impressive but struggles to take off from the water, exhibiting difficulty turning into the wind. Water ingress into the 3D-printed parts is identified as a significant issue.
14:15 Second Test: After addressing some water ingress issues, the second test reveals the plane's reliance on par thrust for takeoff. Without it, there's excessive drag, preventing it from lifting off.
15:32 Further Adjustments: Additional paint layers are applied to improve waterproofing. The plane's tendency to pitch up and drag its tail during takeoff is identified as a major problem, potentially due to a low wing angle of incidence and lack of flaps.
17:49 Future Plans: The next steps involve improving the ground effect performance and incorporating a high-speed paddle-wheel surface drive system, building upon a previous project.
18:06 Filming Technique: The smooth video shots are achieved using a Freefly Movi Carbon 5-axis gimbal.