Extra 300 Profile Model description, specifications, and parts list
Updated: Jul 19, 2022
What is this thing? What else will I need to build it?
Introduction:
The design of this plane came after wrapping up the Fokker DR1. After designing a plane with four wings (one at the landing gear) I wanted to try something far easier to print and assemble. I also wanted something that could print quickly, have great flying qualities, be durable, and if needed easily repairable or reprint able. Experimenting with the foaming nature of lightweight PLA got me thinking about how light something could be printed. Could it be printed as light as foam? Could I set the infill just right and then literally end up with a plastic part that rivals the weight of foam? Eh, no. But you can get it pretty stinking light. It looks better that foam anyway so in my opinion its a win.
I Always totally loved the little foamy profile 3D Aerobatic models. They were amazing performers and could teach so much about mastering aerobatic maneuvers as they slow everything down so much. Their simple construction was a plus to me, but what did turn me off was the lack of a true airfoil. The planes really don't fly. Chop the throttle and what the plane's dismal glide back to earth and you will understand this. Also, they are either indoor or dead air models. I was interested in making something just a little beyond that. That is what I landed on in the Extra 300 Profile model.
Specifications:
Length: 392 millimeters
Width: 462 millimeters
Weight: 277 grams ready to fly with battery. Ugh! Uncle Sam will want a registration number.
Maximum printer build plate:
All components were designed to be printed on a Creality Ender 3 Pro printer bed size of 220 x 220 x 250 max.
Airfoil:
Fully symmetrical NACA 11015 modified to 115% thickness
Printer Filament: Lightweight PLA is a must! Of the ones I've tried ColorFabb is the clear winner. In my experience the flow rate can be dialed far further back creating a lighter part, the color prints better, and the filament simply prints cleaner than others. I liked it so much I stocked up on it. You can purchase it here: Hurry before I use it all up.
Powerplant:
Brushless 4000 KV Drone motor with mount holes of 20mm. Think Diatone Mamba 1404 or this one from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MQ9449V/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Battery:
I designed this model around a Tattu 450 MAH 4S drone battery.
ESC:
Brushless 10 to 12 amp depending on capacity of your motor. The following link is what I used on the prototype:
Receiver: Micro receiver. The prototype used this:
Servos: You will need 3 sg90 mini servos.
Hardware:
You will need (2) 1.6 x 12 mm hex head screws for the axles.
You will need(4) 1.6mm x 5mm hex head screws to mount the custom pushrods.
Complete Parts Kit:
We are in the process of compiling all the stuff to make this easier. We will get back to you on this. very soon.
Conclusion: That is it for the specifications! Check the main blog here for the next steps. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We will attempt to clarify the construction blog including your input as much as possible. Also please check out or new community forum. Feel free to post pics, ask questions, or help others.