How to Build the FT Edge 540 // BUILD

[@dancook6322]

I'm almost finished with my scratch build of one these. I highly recommend the speed build kit.

[@xs-1b415]

Me, too. it takes a sharp razor, lots of time, and a solid dose of OCD to scratch build this thing...

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Maybe the Plans with a full bottle of Xanax!!! 😋😃😜😄😂

[@Echo_Bytes_Pod]

i am doing the same thing and i would definitely agree

[@benhalstead8679]

I'm with you guys on this 4 days 2 restarts and it's still not finished

[@jaxonbmx2699]

rip

[@CarminesRCTipsandTricks]

Every time Andres said "If you're Scratchbuilding this at home..." My first thought was *SEEK HELP!!!* 😳😖 Seriously, that looks like the strongest, most complex Foam Core Board Aircraft I have ever seen!! Just designing all those tabs and slots is the work of a mad Genius!!! COOL PLANE! 😎👍👍 Carmine ✈🚂🚙

[@IMayHaveNukes]

Bruh, im scratch building. It's not fun cutting out the piece shown here. 0:13

[@nana-du4mx]

​@@IMayHaveNukesim also scratch building, the nose is the hardest

[@IMayHaveNukes]

@@nana-du4mx the nose is also pretty complex. This plane took my me like 2 straight days of cutting, and then i crashed it because the ailerons were reversed. So i just cut out another lol. One thing i wish i knew before building this is that the slot for the landing gear will not be clearly marked once you put the lower skin on the frame. Make sure you cut it out in the right spot (the location of where to cut the slot should be pretty apparent by looking at the inner frame).

[@danielmartins1367]

Excited!!!!! I just order the edge 350 build and corresponding electronics. I can’t wait to start building. It’s been over 10yrs since I’ve taken a break from the hobby. I would like to thank Flite Test for giving me the thrust to get back into the hobby. -Daniel

[@nicom.114]

This is absolutely fantastic! This build really changed what I thought was possible with Foam board, and I can't wait to see future designs using the new techniques from this build! You all have me very excited! Kudos!

[@archivist17]

This construction method opens the door to many more options for foambuilding. Great job, Andres!

[@BisMaxx]

I had never seen a plane being built like this. So for me, it is extremely satisfying to see the ease with which he made this thing come together. The man is a tremendous gun-slinger! And the technique for cutting, wiping, bending, folding, etc... just extremely well done. Awesome video!

[@josephfoster5593]

Just scratch built this and went together great! Only piece that didn’t go together perfectly was the cowl, it was shorter than the former

[@FTB1776]

Buying a kit this weekend ! TY again to Andres and the rest of the team @ FT for making a $120 full size 3D RC aircraft possible.

[@air-headedaviator1805]

This aircraft is fantastically designed. Thats why I like these build videos; even if I don’t have the aircraft I can learn new techniques on how to build and design my planes in the future.

[@williamcramer7391]

Love the traditional build style on this one. foam board replacing the expensive wood, but still as strong and lighter.

[@MCsCreations]

It's definitely the best building video you guys did to this date. Because it's not repetitive and the fast forward in those parts. 😊

[@ProMayvn]

Ive built 3 of the FT planes. The Guinea, the 3D and the Simple Stork or something. This looks like it is designed to be much sturdier and consistent. I love it. Starting on the build tonight!

[@sixgun2719]

could you tell me how to print the plans. what size should it be at?

[@arronbates576]

Awesome Job Andres! ...info for what it's worth on lipos: to convert lipo cell counts, multiple the capacity by cell count, and then redivide. 4 x 1300 = 5200. Divide that by new cell count... 5200 / 3 = 1733... so 3S equivalent of Andres' pack is actually 1733. To get the same power output, adjust prop until the watts match (drop in voltage is a drop in watts... increase prop will increase the amps, and you can get back at the same wattage/power/thrust... noting that larger props can be better for 3D).

[@og_myxiplx]

Ok, so for a complete noob to calculating all this, how would I calculate the prop needed to get equivalent performance using a heavier 2150mAh pack? AUW with a 1300 3S pack should be around 800g, vs 850g with a 2150mAh 3S, so there's roughly a 6% increase in weight I want to account for. Would it be easier to switch up the motor from the EMAX 2215 1100kV in Power Pack C to an EMAX 2215 1180kV motor instead? That's a 7% increase in rpm, and the larger pack should handle the load comfortably.

[@arronbates576]

If we're all about getting the max performance out of the power train for a given cell count, it would be the same prop that you'd want for the 3S 1700mah packs as the voltage hasn't changed. This brings up a thing that's not really covered by FliteTest, which is running equipment for peak performance. For 3D/performance, we're usually running props (load) and packs (supply voltage) that pushes the motor to it's general limit... often a prop that overworks the motor so much that we can't stay at full throttle the whole flight and needing to allow the motor to cool down. So, how do performance/3d junkies select props?... get a few props of a different size, and fly them. Short flights initially. When landing, check the heat of the motor and ESC. If the motor is not comfortable to touch, prop down... if it's cold or only warm, you can get a bigger prop and pull more out of it. If it's hot you also need to make sure it cools down between flights, etc. This process is important because each pilot has a different flying style, is at full throttle more often than others, some people like slower maneuvers more often, etc... and monitoring the heat of the system is how you maintain its health in general. For this model, I'd probably start with a 10"x5" that Andres mentioned or a 11"x5" prop and go from there with the understanding that it's probably a little large (that I can't stay at full throttle, etc). I wouldn't bother with a change to the Kv, it's not the load on the packs we're worried about really but getting an appropriately sized ESC and the right prop for performance. The plane will fly fine for sure, but to note that it's harder for beginners-to-3D to manage extra weight during 3D maneuvers. As the weight goes up, the motor may need to go up, but things will start to get away from you in terms of the weight you're trying to pull through 3D maneuvers and how easy/hard that challenge may be. Rather than look at buying a motor, I'd be looking at getting a pack or two at the 1700mah size... (then you would have larger packs for just cruising fun, and then the smaller performance packs to practice 3D with :) ).

[@arronbates576]

and, for what it's worth, you can do google searches for what people were putting in the "3DHobbyShop 40" Edge", as it was about the same size and weight as this Edge from Andres.

[@nellydishere]

what an amazing build!! reminded me of those josh and josh builds . looks like the new talents are taking this to new heights. Simple, precise and to the point. keep up the good work boys.

[@TimberTechWorkshop]

Great to see some more build videos I was getting worried FT was straying away from what created what they are now Thanks FT for being true to who you are!

[@thomasallan8113]

I like the fact that the fuse servos are mounted in the tail. Someone put a lot of time into the design of all these pieces. I have the kit for this plane and plan to start building it soon.

[@All4Grogg]

With all those thin curved cuts that cowl is going to be tricky to scratch build, but similar to cutting the dihedral reliefs on wings. That said, end result looks to be well worth the challenge! Coming in at a reported 1.5lbs with strength at all the right places out of foamboard/hot glue/Popsicle sticks and a tiny plank of plywood one can't help but to be extremely impressed with the efficiency of this design! I don't have the skills yet to fly it, but once the illustrator gets through the difficult and time consuming task of converting it to printable plans i doubt i'll be able to resist building it anyway.

[@laithalsabbagh2255]

Thats really cool and amazing , one tip guys, for beginners like me this one is hard and take long time, I ordered this one and take me about 5 hours to build, I’m a beginner lol after all its amazing Thanks guys

[@superdow1000]

5 hours, that's about 3x faster than most people even using the kit

[@dustinsdistractions4237]

I bought the speed build kit and got most of the landing gear but I did not receive the metal rod that attaches the wheels to the plane. I loved the build and the plane itself is amazing also love the channel.

[@ReevansElectro]

You should do all the build videos. You did a great job of building and it looks fantastic. Great editing also!!!

[@stevendegiorgio3143]

That's a really nice airplane kit.Its amazing what you can make out of foam board.A few days ago I made an airplane holder out of a sheet of foam board I got at walmart.That new holder holds both my electric planes while I install the wing and hook up my aileron wires.That foam board is good stuff and very CHEAP.

[@fredglotz2826]

God Bless Flight Test no greater example of true greatness to be found thank you to all of you.

[@aaaaaaaaaassssssssdf]

Ooh this is gonna be fun to build. Also if you are using a separate bec you can save some weight using a light weight quad esc (opto style)

[@ethanfilewych6754]

Dang Andres!! I think I said wow like 10 times! This is such a crazy build, great job engineering this you're a genious!! Not sure if my build skills/patience can build this though haha

[@signordavinci5347]

The most beautiful design I have ever seen

[@ARob16x]

Just finished scratch building this and after 8 hours of precise cutting and putting the plans on the foam I finally started assembling. Now just gotta paint it. Took my time so I could say I scratch built it but otherwise just buy the kit cuz it takes forever to build perfectly like mine

[@sixgun2719]

could you please explain how to print the plans out.

[@firmankrisnadi7248]

1. What is the brand and specification of your motor?. 2. Thanks for your awesome plan & tutorial...you are the best....keep a good creating

[@maximomillansotelo8949]

firman krisnadi the y use their own motors of the flitetest store

[@Technicallyaddicted]

The flitetest power packs are such a solid deal that it doesn't make sense to go thru hobbyking. Sure it's a little cheaper, but the $15 is totally worth the awesome sound flitetest motors make and all the great things flitetest does for the community. I'd love to work for them one day.

[@jahatton]

This is my 6th plane build in a row. (First Edge 540) The model is awesome in every way! I scratch built this one and would recommend that the tail feathers not be glued on until the wing is sitting in the saddle. I glued them in but later had to cut them out to realign with the wing. Cutting the kit out has a lot of room for errors and unless you love tinkering for many hours then discard this tip.

[@sixgun2719]

could you please explain how to print the plans out.

[@jahatton]

You need to print the plan in the PDF program Custom, tile setting.

[@sixgun2719]

one more question will 20x30 foam board work. Thanks for your help@@jahatton

[@jahatton]

Yes. You will need about 6 sheets.@@sixgun2719

[@scottwippel5007]

I bought A RED BULL EDGE 540 completely in the original box today at a yard sale . The plane was like new never used! IT WAS A LUCKILY ALL THERE 😮😱 for $100.00 😱😮. I had to I just couldn’t pass it up for that!!!

[@brianfreier6054]

That is some beautiful engineering

[@ZapTheRaveFox]

I want to see a SR-71 Blackbird Pro build like this one.

[@albinhurve5521]

wow very impressive and sleek foam design! ill have this as my summer rc project for sure, thanks a lot!

[@shredtildead67]

People building this scratch know how it feels being 2 hours in and the video is only at like 3 minutes haha

[@rudesport3647]

lmfaoo had this thought and looked to the comments and they literally never fail haha. legit tho.

[@berkeozkir]

Same here! Sratch build is really a hassle but in the end, it will worth it!

[@thomasmann3560]

I'm already at 12hrs and it's definitely uglier! Speed build kit my A!

[@isaiahbarak6166]

Started today at 11am building, at the end of the f1 race at about 1pm I was 12 min in, I'm amazed...

[@AeroDesignRC]

Nice project and great tutorial, well done!🔝

[@user-uv9gq9hs6q]

can't wait to build this nice plane. Great work on the design.

[@jimmytiler5522]

Nicely done mate. I want to see machine guns on the next build.

[@fahb68]

What a cool construction

[@williamdecker3989]

Best SBK kit ever!

[@Brighton-Abean]

who ever scratch builds this is a Legend period!

[@samhiatt18]

I scratch built two of these

[@kevintieman3616]

This really is taking foam board planes to a whole new level! LIKE :D

[@Timless2]

With all the precision cuts this would be a tough $1 tree foam board build. Cutting slots is a touch task for me... any good hints? Real value to have the laser cut boards.

[@MSmith-jf5wo]

I have used single edged razor blades fastened to a piece of foam board before, by tape! It didn't last but one or two cuts! I then got a piece of wood the same thickness as the foam board and put screw holes to hold the razor blades. THIS worked for me, and I still use it. Just make sure you have the blades at least a 45 degree angle, and up about double the thickness away from the paper on the other side. (Trial and "ERROR" method). Haha! You can also dull the sharp edge of the blades so they don't accidentally cut through the paper. I'm able to follow a steel rule, and make cuts tight where the foam needs to be cut. It works for edges too, if your rule is steady and doesn't slip!

[@MSmith-jf5wo]

Ps: Make sure you use at least 2 screws per blade, so they don't slip! One in the center, and one at the notch at the other end.

[@timelliott6036]

Thanks for the advice... sounds very workable.

[@tendegrees8835]

Ask your local hackspace or university. They might have a laser cutter.

[@shamimaridoy3488]

This is amazing! An rc red bull plane!

[@jimklupar4484]

What software did you use to convert the 3D CAD drawing to the 2D CAD plans? How did you paint the Red Bull version of the Edge 540? Best design ever. Good Job.

[@svenr5112]

Fair warning to the scratchbuilders out there. I have almost finished this build as a scratchbuild and let me start by saying this is a beatifull and very accessible and easy to work on plane in the field. Since this is my 5th FT scratchbuild it is also the one in wich small flaws build up most allong the build. For example the finished height of the engine cover is off by 5mm. Also beware when glueing the interlocking pieces to the removeable canopy; use tape temporarely to check your alignment.

[@AbdulHadi-qn1kd]

Sven R lol hi 5 i have same issues

[@svenr5112]

Abdul Hadi glad it s not just me then👍

[@kreevee8351]

Thank you

[@lipton531]

Hope to see the plans for scratchbuild !

[@stuartsheasby6231]

Love the edge 540

[@officialflippers6944]

I love this plane however it is always out of stock and I really want to try building this kit

[@QuadView]

Great looking plane. Will surely be my next build.

[@recomusicofficial]

What a plane and godlike flying!! :D

[@CraigPMiller]

My kit arrived this morning! Anything to watch out for?

[@JustinTwilley]

SO trying to order the kit, It will be my first diy build, the power kit is out of stock any clue when itll be back in?

[@FlyGumby]

You mention a C Pack radial motor. I assume it is more powerful. Will these be on the store? If so when? If not, what motor is it? Thanks! (Edit)- I guess you said C Pack radial, but I'm not sure. To be straight, what motor should I use to get some extra power for 3D flying?

[@gabbagabbahey1981]

This thing is next level! Great work Andres.

[@hankhasemeier6887]

Extremely excited for this build. I was going to scratch build it but seeing how complicated that fuselage is I'm just going to buy the speed build kit. Another thing. I have been having difficulties with shipping to my address. Not with FT but I cant ger a receiver from anywhere else! And FT is out of stock! Because of this I actually installed iNAV on an spf3 drone board so I can use my sbus reciever that I have way too many of.

[@mapleacrefarm]

Have you checked the FT store recently? They did a major overhaul and they now stock over 23,000 parts!

[@electromaniac03]

i already have got my new motors for this!

[@YeetLord666]

Instead of hot glueing your servo extensions, I prefer to put a shrink tube over them where they meet. It's a little less permanant and it also gives the added bonus of waterproofing!

[@joshuapalomaki6970]

thx for the vid but kinda wish you showed how to do the double bevil cut on the elavator

[@michael_hahnell]

I like that the wing can be removed for transportation great job. Is there a slightly smaller version available ?

[@hydrophobicgoldfish]

Nailed that landing

[@chrisking2523]

Can/will the Flite test crew design/ build a 12in micro brushless airplane that uses 0703 motors 1.9g servos and runs on a 2cell battery?

[@richiethrasher7379]

Great plane

[@LineTwist]

Great job awesome design looks real solid great build video. Look forward to building and flying this.

[@michael_hahnell]

Is it possible to fit this with a 6G stabilization which one can turn ON/OFF ? I'm an enthusiastic beginner that want to take the plunge into a 3D plane 🙂

[@NoahSommer]

You would need a receiver with AS3X built in

[@dorin8r]

Can you please let me know what plane is on your back? The one with some orange on the wings, please. Any plans or kit for it?

[@MrCsami]

Awesome plane! Nice job!

[@santiyenzoaeromodelismo7637]

great plane

[@NOXFPV]

Flys incredable.

[@blkicemike4857]

with scratch build i noticed there was option B & C for motor,esc, props,servos,etc,.. So i am curious what's diff between the two options??? Both have 35amp esc, & motor appears to be same size,.. well that's what the spec sheet shows. Maybe misprint?? I would think those would be major factors in option differences. Am i wrong on this or did i read it wrong ? Also wondering,.. which is better: EPO or FoamBoard used in these builds? Plane look nice, just curious about the long haul results. I think it'd be hella lot easier than balsa & iron on covering(is it plastic, cloth) not too sure about it, Anybody know??

[@19rocket64]

Hot glue does NOT dry...it coooools :-)

[@danielharman4437]

The turns from a liquid to a solid so it sort of is drying

[@19rocket64]

these guys are using so many great build techniques/adhesives! Hot melt adhesives HMAs are a thermoplastic adhesive . no curing, no solvent drying/evaporation, which make them so handy/safe and very unique.

[@dodo3441]

Thank god im not the only one that gets triggered by this every time :D @daniel When water goes from liquid to solid, you dont call that drying do you ;)

[@gravelydon7072]

Daniel harman, Phase change, not drying. Like water to ice.

[@camcam29live]

I learned this lesson when I accidentally dropped some on my finger. It just cooled slowly, and burned me quickly

[@rahulghosh4289]

I have A2212 2212 2200KV Brushless Motor Skylinker BLHeli 40A ESC SG90 Servo 6035 Prop And 3s 2200mah lipo Will it possible to make edge 540 with these stuff? Plz suggest if no what should I replace

[@lw216316]

PLEASE - one question - does the landing gear work ?.....no ground looping.... good straight take offs and landings ??? I bought the Scout Kit - landing gear so bad I took it off and do belly landkings I bought Mig 3 - langing gear so bad I took it off and decided to sell the plane, I don't want any more belly landers... I'll buy the 540 if someone assures me it will not ground loop but will take off and land well and the landing gear will not fold up like on the MIg.

[@nestorguillermodelcastillo8766]

excelente , forma de construccion , mis felicitaciones !!!!

[@19rocket64]

amazing plane/build

[@jlqtraceur]

Cant wait for the plans, its awesome

[@FliteTest]

forum.flitetest.com/index.php?resources/ft-edge.22/

[@silvestreferreira5809]

Hello team flite test, I'm from Brazil, and here we have a certain difficulty to get some things out, so how would you make this aeromodel plant available?

[@finnleithomczyk5292]

try emailing them on their costumer support/service page in flitetest.com

[@flyerelite5153]

If I buy this kit from you will it be 15% smaller then the one I see you building in this video?

[@tclay1970]

what would be the best was to put a gopro on this thing do you guys think?

[@tendegrees8835]

Does the rotation direction of the motor matter with this design? I didn't notice any sideways thrust compensation on the motor mount. If so, it would be a nice way to eat up all those spare clockwise props ;-)

[@Jaysa11]

nice build . i wish the CG was marked on the plan so i would know where it is when i downsize it to 70%. anyone can tell me?

[@flt842]

Yeah! New revolutinary designs in Flite test! Waiting for plans! (Cause I'm from east europe)

[@seanthomas8266]

Beautiful plane! I am really curious about the design process behind something like this? Did you guys do this in CAD? or is it piece-mealed paper then translated into a Vector?

[@nicom.114]

Sean Thomas I believe they said in the review video for this plane that it was done in 3D Cad and then transferred to 2D in order to get the proper shapes. Very ingenious on their part.

[@seanthomas8266]

Nico M. - Ahhh thank you!

[@KilalaFW]

Havent flown in all most a decade an this plane makes me want to fly again

[@maximomillansotelo8949]

I have a question... what if i put a 2200mah 3s batery in it???

[@sebastienmornicodelagraine8838]

Très belle avion rc, je l est monter aussi avec le plan qui est sur votre site, j adore ce que vous faites c est génial 😍👍👌

[@rustygolfer3475]

Wow. Just found the Flite Test Tech page. Where have I been? I was wondering what ever happened to build videos.

[@rcostasbuild1165]

Hey guys!! may i ask...can we build it with Depron? will it be strong enough? thanks

[@sawer]

I always wondered... With a symetrical airfoil, don't they cancel eachothers lift out?

[@jonathanchippeaux303]

Finally !!!!!

[@user11000]

It's a very nice video, and very good work where i have seen. Well done.

[@dinethnethusahan9172]

is this plane can fly easy? good video

[@joshkubassek2509]

I just finished building mine! Excited to get flying when the weather clears, however, with power pack C as recommended there is clearly not enough power for vertical/hover/3d flight. Quite disappointed actually. Your demos pictured in the videos must have a different setup. Please advise.

[@joshkubassek2509]

Also, you mention putting 4s on the power pack C but the specs for the motor says 2-3s. Can you clarify if "flying 4s" is still using the power pack C?

[@dougwilson6828]

So which of the many “flight test straps “ offered in the FT. Store are you using with the “C” power package?

[@og_myxiplx]

Very nice! If you wanted to fly this with larger 2150mAh 3S packs, would that work? And if so, what motor and prop would you recommend?

[@mikewright1722]

Might be too heavy? Try it though.

[@rccrazy7495]

Can you buy one pre built with upgraded servos and water proof foam, also with the bec installed. I have arthritis and can't perform some of the tasks needed to build. Also will pay for build and extras. Just reply to this link with price and will go from there.

[@mapleacrefarm]

I would be interested in building you one. Are you in the US? What state do you live in?

[@rccrazy7495]

Brian Meyer I live in michigan,how much is the plane and how much do you want to build it

[@rccrazy7495]

Hey Brian Meyer did ya get the reply

[@mapleacrefarm]

M Herrick Interesting, I also live in Michigan, southwest corner. I'll send you info tomorrow.

[@rccrazy7495]

Brian Meyer ok sounds good, I live by Frankenmuth.

[@KKPlayz10]

Flitetest probably makes the best foamboard planes in the world but to make them better, it would have been nice if you put formers on the bottom of the plane to make them more round. Also, this plane looks nice but this is just a recommendation. Not being mean but this plane has very boxy formers. It would have been nice if the formers were more round so the plane was more round.

[@thomasallan8113]

No hardwood spar? Seems like an 1/8" x 4" spar would add a lot of strength without adding much weight.

[@l.uis162]

Hey Flitetest, when will the build kit be available in Europe? I really want to build the edge but shipping from Us to where I live is way to expensive. Greetings

[@prestonang8216]

zyQk Wait theres no free shipping?

[@gregtanouslasering]

Hi Your in Europe, why not use the better material avaliable to you, Depron!

[@tzachus]

Great work love your Chanel but u didn't say where is the CG

[@bumberbuddy9145]

Does this kit come with the wood pieces including servo control horns, firewall, elevator stabilizer, tail wheel stabilizer and battery straps?

[@noahmcnabb]

@James Demchuk all FT speed build kits come with all wood pieces, push rods, and things like popsicle sticks and BBQ skewers... Hope this helps