After market Swift Frame, what would you change/want?

[rdespins]

Hi folks, I'm in the middle of designing/testing some frames for the T-Rex 600 and since some folks showed some interest in some Swift frames, I wanted to ask what you would like improved/changed with your Swift frames.

I will lay some things to bear in mind so we can improve the frames with minimal new parts and minimal machining/ costs for everyone.

- The frames will be in G-10 material so they are FLAT.
- I've solved the tail boom mounting by having a doubler on both insides of the frame to shim it.
- The upper bearing mount will require spacers to use the stock bearing block.


Now some questions,


Do you want to use full size servos and the bellcranks, or do you want to drop some weight and have mini digitals direct to swash? 2 versions (stock/ultra light)?

Do you want to use the stock gear or switch over to a T-Rex 600/Raptor gear?

Do you want a battery bay built into the frames to protect your batts (would probably require the shorter gear)?

If you want the lower battery bay, do want it slightly wider so A123s fit (if the dont fit the 53mm width already)?

Can boom supports bolt to the bottom of the frames instead of the stock langing gear?

Do you want a different setup for electronics mounting (some mounting plates at the rear above the boom, a longer front end that is protected more with side frames?)


I don't own a Swift, however, a fine gentlemen sent me his used ones so I could have a good idea at what is involved in this project. I think it is most certainly doable. Toss some ideas around and lets see what can be done.


My work on the T-Rex 600 frames can be seen at R.D. Heli Frames

Thanks,
Ron

[Coolice]

Originally Posted by rdespins

Do you want to use full size servos and the bellcranks, or do you want to drop some weight and have mini digitals direct to swash? 2 versions (stock/ultra light)?

Yes, I'd prefer to use full size servos with the bell cranks as it will help with the flight loads and not be direct on the servo's. Plus with push-pull to the bell cranks the load on the servo output spline will be equal.

Originally Posted by rdespins

Do you want to use the stock gear or switch over to a T-Rex 600/Raptor gear?

By this do you mean the landing skids? If so yes, a shorter, more aggresive set of skids will look great on the Swift. Neon cloured ones will be even better to tart the models up

Originally Posted by rdespins

Do you want a battery bay built into the frames to protect your batts (would probably require the shorter gear)?

Yes, most definetly!! This is one thing I'd like to see on the Swift as the battery is exposed being underslung like it is and I know first hand just how vunerable it is to.

Ok, we all aim not to crash but invariably we do while learning new things and if we can atleast try to save our expensive batterys then great.
This alone will make any aftermarket frame conversion appeal to me.

Originally Posted by rdespins

If you want the lower battery bay, do want it slightly wider so A123s fit (if the dont fit the 53mm width already)?

Doing so this will make the conversion appeal to a wider audiance and so if it can be done but still be practical incorporate it. Or better still offer the option with spacers?

Originally Posted by rdespins

Can boom supports bolt to the bottom of the frames instead of the stock langing gear?

Yes most definetly I feel. I have my own mounted to the top of the main frames, just above where the gyro plate sits on the boom clamps. Works well for me and many others now to.

Originally Posted by rdespins

Do you want a different setup for electronics mounting (some mounting plates at the rear above the boom, a longer front end that is protected more with side frames?)

Yes again, sounds good to me. If possible a location for the ESC which is as far away as possible from the receiver and gyro, yet still afforded some crash protection by the frames.

Originally Posted by rdespins

I don't own a Swift, however, a fine gentlemen sent me his used ones so I could have a good idea at what is involved in this project. I think it is most certainly doable. Toss some ideas around and lets see what can be done.

Cant wait to see what you come up with.

Originally Posted by rdespins

My work on the T-Rex 600 frames can be seen at R.D. Heli Frames

Thanks,
Ron

Am going to have a look now.

This sounds like a very nice project and if I had access to the engineering shop I used to work at then I'd have looked into this myself as it's a good idea. The battery protection is one area I'd love to see done and indeed have ask Century for this but even their new carbon swifts still have the battery exposed which I feel is a shame, but the models look good and go very well so it's just a gripe.
.

[rdespins]

Heres some quick sketches, any comments? These use full size servos with bellcranks.

I'm not certain that the battery tray in the second one will work out, it's probably too high and batts would hit the canopy.

Ron

[Finless]

Make it so all 3 servos can be on the same bell cranks so you dont have to calculate and use a longer arm for elevator!

Bob

[rdespins]

Bah Bob, you've already sorted that all out for everyone hehe.

Heres the latest rendition, Front battery tray is a little over 57mm wide, whould fit A123s.

[Finless]

Bah Bob, you've already sorted that all out for everyone hehe.

Yea but I still dont like it!
You are WAY out on the servo arm and it's not push/pull so that poor servo is going to be hurting long term....

Bob

[rdespins]

Here is a different nose end that has lower battery bay. The dimensions are probably off, but the idea is there.

[Adam Turner]

Erm, has any one seen the carbon 550?
Push pull Elevator, place for your ESC, remember you can fit a 10S pack on the bottom. It has a driven tail aswell, and your gyro is rite at the back on a plate.
Theres also a switch mount, metal rotor head, Full metal swash, hardened spindel.
Whole Kit of $390 wich is $210 less than a logo 14, $300 less than a razor.

[Finless]

Adam... I will take one
I saw it at the AMA Show but never even though to talk to Antonio about it

Bob

[zenndium]

Will there be sold upgrade parts for the old swift 16?