RCwithAdam/The BAT Build Plans

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The BAT Build Plans

The BAT (Backyard Airplane Trainer) radio control airplane was designed to take a beating, be able to fly in small areas, and be extremely fun!

It's also relatively cheap and simple to build--the airframe can be made from just two sheets of foamboard (Adam's Readi-board from Dollar Tree stores), and these plans are FREE!

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What can the BAT do? Take a look!

Here's how I built it

PART 1


PART 2


PART 3

One thing to keep in mind

While these plans and build videos should be sufficient enough to provide all the necessary information for your build, I admit that the presentation is quite rough (and old). I hope to improve and update the BAT design plans, but for now all I have to offer are the original versions.

ELECTRONICS/COMPONENTS
The exact electronics (Emax motor, servos, ESC, etc.) that I used in this original build came from the "Power Pack A" kit made by Flite Test. It has since been updated slightly, but essentially the same kit is still available from Flite Test. You can find it at their store here: https://store.flitetest.com/ft-power-pack-a-radial/
For your reference, the kit linked above includes:

  • (1) Motor - Radial 1806 2280kV
  • (1) Flite Test 20A w/XT-30 Connector
  • (4) Servos - Flite Test ES9051 5g Servo
  • (1) Y-Lead (30cm)
  • (2) Extensions (20cm)
  • (4) Linkage Stoppers
  • (2) Propellers (6x3)
  • (1) Phillips Screwdriver


CONTROL RODS
In the video I used a guitar string as control rods to connect the servos to the rudder and elevator. This works pretty well, but does require extra "coffee stirrer" straws for support. So, if you don't happen to already have extra guitar strings on hand, I'd suggest purchasing some traditional wire pushrods from Flite Test here: https://store.flitetest.com/push-rods-8-pack-16-5/ .
Another option is to use .040 safety wire, or floral wire (available at Dollar Tree stores).

PROPELLERS
You WILL want more than the two propellers that come in the Flite Test Power Pack A kit. The size you want is 6030 (also shown as 6x3) CCW (Counter-Clock-Wise rotation, when viewed from the top, or front, of the prop). That means the length is 6" and pitch is 3". If you're already purchasing from Flite Test, here's a link to them: https://store.flitetest.com/hqprop-6x3-ccw-propeller-2-blade-black-carbon-composite-2-pack/.


FIREWALL
This is what you'll attach the motor to. If you don't already have this part from a previous FT (Flite Test) plane kit, you can get it here: https://store.flitetest.com/mighty-mini-firewalls-5-pack/.

LINKAGE STOPPERS
These little metal pieces make connecting the control rod to the servo MUCH easier. https://store.flitetest.com/linkage-stoppers-6-pack/

BATTERIES
For a more tame experience, use a 2S (2 cell) Li-Po (Lithium Polymer) battery https://store.flitetest.com/tattu-800mah-7-4v-45c-2s1p-lipo-battery-pack-with-xt30-plug/.
For even more fun, speed, and aerobatics, use a 3S Li-Po https://store.flitetest.com/tattu-850mah-11-1v-45c-3s1p-lipo-battery-pack-with-xt-30-plug/.
800mAh is a good size. Make sure the connector is a XT-30 (to match the ESC connection).

TRANSMITTER and RECEIVER
You'll need a at least a 3-channel airplane receiver (PWM protocol, which basically means it has ports to connect the servos) and transmitter (AKA radio/controller) to fly the BAT.
I'm partial to the FlySky brand because that's what I got started with, but there are several other good brands out there. Personally, I don't like Spektrum because I think they're overpriced and not as reliable as others (though many pilots will have the opposite opinion).
Unfortunately, at this time (May 2022) I don't have a "best beginner radio/receiver" recommendation.



Note: all of these links are to the Flite Test store because, while it is certainly possible to source these components from other places (perhaps for less money), this may be the most convenient way to purchase all these items at one time. If you're a beginner, Flite Test store is probably the best "one stop shop."



Crash well,
πŸ˜β€οΈπŸ‘
- Adam 

πŸ‘‡ Download the plans hereπŸ‘‡

The BAT Build Plans (original.chkd031521).PDF
  • 46.2 MB

Have you built one?

I'd love to see it!
If you've built you're own BAT, use the hashtag #TheBATrc when you share your creation on YouTube or any of the social medias!

Or you can just email me at Adam@RCwithAdam.com to tell me how it went! πŸ›«

Let's keep the comms open πŸ“‘

Occasional updates and neat things are on approach for your email inbox! 
Will you give them clearance to land? πŸ›¬

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