RC Plane suspension landing gear

thingiverse

Spring suspension for the RC plane "Dual Prop Sport", or plane with similar fuselage dimensions. Adds wheeled take off and landings, great for FPV or LOS. With 2" of vertical wheel travel, makes for softer landings and smoother travel over grass. Sure, oil filled rc car shocks would give a smoother feel, but these are significantly lighter and thinner for reduced air resistance. For the rest of the plane: *print files: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3441794 *plans: https://www.rcsean.com/p/dual-prop-fpv.html Assembly requires 1/8 or 3mm tubes cut to length to fit hole lengths (carbon fiber and/or brass), 5x3.5mm carbon fiber tubing, 5/32" brass tubing for wheel shaft, springs (2" L x .25" od x .023" wire - mine came from local hardware store) and fishing line for shock tension. Use epoxy to bond parts as in the photo, lubricate sliding parts. Base eyelets can use four 1/8"ID x 1/16" wall o-rings for best fit (optional). 3mm or 1/8" drill bits recommended to ream holes for rods. Fishing line to pretension the shocks may not not be ideal, but has worked fine so far (this way I can keep the upper shock shaft as thin as possible, already have enough parts...). If you think of a better way, let me know in the comments! Upper Shock: 5x3.5mm CF rod, 1 7/8" long Lower Shock: 3x2mm CF rod, 2 3/4" long Thru Fuselage rods: 3x2mm CF rod, 5" long (x2) Wheels, 3+" (Dubro super light, or similar), 5/16" axle (I've had good luck with carbon fiber rods from RadicalRC.com, brass tubing from local hardware store) Fishing line (~10lb test) used to string though shafts, tie knot such that the length from shock shaft-to-shaft is approximately 4". Shorten distance for stiffer shocks. Printing: I used PLA, normal resolution, and 10-20% infill recommended (trade off with strength and weight), 30-40% recommended for Base. Supports should not be needed for any parts.