This design was a rollercoaster. I had to design this twice because the first attempt resulted in a very small airframe where it was virtually uncontrollable. I went back to the drawing board and completely nailed the correct size for the 50mm starfighter. I've heard this airframe is difficult to make fly correctly but to my surprise it flew absolutely docile, smooth, great tracking, easy hand launch and YES it can plop land! Even with those tiny wings it will plop land without a headwind. I've seen other F-104's land into a strong headwind and this doesn't need it.
My main goal with my designs is to bring the best possible flight experience to the customer. I didn't model the shock cones on the intake because it would reduce the intake volume. I'd rather you have more thrust for hand launch and spirited flight! I also increased the wing scale and design to make the plane fly better as an RC model. I have provided the wing drop tanks for you to use if you like!
Overall I give this design a 9 out of 10 in terms of flight performance. It flies way better than I thought it would.
As I always say, I've never seen more random people releasing 3d printed airplanes, even copies of my designs. YOU MUST see multiple unedited flights from hand launch to landing before you can trust a design. also verify if the plane flies without a flight controller. If a design needs a flight controller or a gyro to fly, that NEEDS to be disclosed to you.
Flight Video
https://youtu.be/SkTWTNoOmyc?si=D498fMbO0igYvLze
Parts needed
xfly galaxy 50mm https://amzn.to/4hoA4Jl
any 40 amp ESC https://amzn.to/4g5no9a
3X 4.3g servos https://amzn.to/3PI8tas
2x 10mm magnets for the hatch
Run a 1300 4s zeee battery.
Velcro for the battery
Medium CA glue for the airplane
1.2mm pushrod for the servos
Control horns are printable (files are in the download area)
You’ll need 3.5mm wire extension https://amzn.to/3Cjfk75
And lastly a servo Y adaptor for the aileron channel https://amzn.to/4atx0th
Hope you enjoy this!
3D printing settings
as always, dial your specific printer in for active foaming LW PLA. Its worth the time and investment!!
1 wall
2 top and 2 bottom layers
3% grid for everything but, wings 5% grid, vertical tail 4% grid, elevator 5% grid . You can also print the last fuse section in 5% grid to strengthen it for hand launches.