[Blitzz]

Hello,

I have attached a file containing the plans for a Skeeter 80" profile plane that I am planning to build over the winter. I have read through many forums on the Pro Bro website but cannot come up with a definite answer of the material required for the wing Ribs, Trailing Edge, Leading Edge and Shear Web. The Plans just show 1/8" Ply next to the outer rib, wing bolt tab and servo tray. The other parts are not identified.

The Ribs and Shear Web are 1/8" thick and the Trailing Edge and Leading edge are 1/4" Thick. The Shear web also has a 1/4" hardwood strip that is glued on the top and bottom side as well.

I am wondering if the Trailing Edge, Leading Edge, Shear Web and Ribs should all be constructed from Balsa, Lite Ply or a combination?

This is going to be my first build from scratch.

Thanks!

Jason

[michaely]

The posted plan sheet documents where ply is to be used, so both because of this as well as general practice, I believe the leading edge, trailing edge, webbing and ribs are balsa.

I'd look at changing out the one piece/egg crate webbing between the top and bottom hardwood (spruce?) spars. This one piece webbing has the wood grain running horizontally which is weaker than the wood grain running vertically or at a 45degree angle .... such vertically grained webbing is done in separate pieces in the individual rib bays and you can further engineer the work this webbing does by using 1/4" balsa at the root of wing panels and moving to 3/32" mid panel and even 1/16" webbing in the outermost two or three bays. Just a thought.

good luck,

Michael

[Blitzz]

Thanks for the information. I may consider doing the shear web this way as it would be easier to cut out as well.