Making a 13-foot R/C Aircraft Carrier from Scratch - "Building the Behemoth," Part 1

When completed in the summer of 2013, our 13-foot replica of the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk will be the largest model we've ever constructed. Like our smaller CV-63 model (see earlier videos), it will be able to launch R/C aircraft via a catapult system. Unlike that smaller model, it will also be able to recover those aircraft.
Stay tuned for Part Two of "Building the Behemoth," followed by much more video featuring this monster of a remote-control boat!
To see our new videos as soon as they go live, subscribe to our channel:
For detailed descriptions and photos of our models, cameras, and more, visit us: rapidnadion.com
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Many thanks to Pocketnow for making this video possible.
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MUSIC:
All music used in this video is royalty-free music by Kevin MacLeod, available at incompetech.com. Used under license, via optional donation.
"Cold Funk" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a CC Attribution 3.0.
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Permissions beyond the scope of this license are available at incompetech.com/music/royalty-....
"Deliberate Thought" by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a CC Attribution 3.0.
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[@fooshi6514]

3:06 I just now realized- six years later, the true scale of this beast

[@faded_specter6495]

What happened to them

[@flatgrimace]

Kerrie Thimmesch ....

[@Rapidnadion]

Joe, thanks for watching the video. We had a 4" square x 1/4' thick plexi color sample lying around. The diagonal cut, about 1-3/4" from one edge (top) to 2-1/4" (bottom) gave us 2 identical pieces which we drilled and ground to shape, as you mentioned.

[@Rapidnadion]

Steve, thank you for commenting. We anticipated some overheating problems with affordable speed controls so for now it's fwd., stop, and rev. The considerable mass of the carrier dictates smooth speed transitions without using esc's.

[@Rapidnadion]

It's just inexpensive plywood, glued and screwed together, which was primed and painted with many coats to ensure against leaks.

[@Rapidnadion]

It sure is! Thanks for the well-wishes.

[@PocketTechnology]

I think that you deserve more subscribers you make high quality videos just like you make high quality tech reviews for pocketnow.

[@Rapidnadion]

PocketTech, we thank you!

[@Rapidnadion]

Rob, it's still in good working order.. just spending time on the shelf since the new build.

[@Rapidnadion]

Badcat, scripting, making and editing videos is very time consuming; we won't be making a general 'how-to-build model boat' video. Rather, we will cover a specific build that we feel is interesting to viewers. Thanks for watching!

[@Rapidnadion]

d35pO, we appreciate your interest! We are doing our best to bring you some new CV-63 footage by mid-summer. keep checking in . ..

[@Rapidnadion]

Thanks, Vid-1!

[@brianpayne2478]

Fantastic. This was, precisely, what I was looking for.

[@lmontes5339]

Amazing documentary!!!

[@sambolinski]

Looks amazing! Good luck with the rest of the build can't wait for the actual test!

[@foil666]

This is quite simply put one of the best presented movies on youtube. Great work and awesome display.

[@Rapidnadion]

We'll have to get back to you on that one; it'll be included in the next video's description as well.

[@Rapidnadion]

Lots of info out there on scale model building, Luke. The propeller shaft passes through a tube which is glued to the hull. The tube greatly reduces water ingress because of the close fit.

[@FanatikBuilds]

Very nicely done! Good to see another channel with boat builds! I've subscribed and keep up the great work... really looking forwards to the next build.

[@rock3tcatU233]

You sir are a gentleman, a genius and an engineer. I salute you.

[@themagby2]

That will easily be the best build you have ever done can't wait to see the end result :)

[@howardwallace2156]

Wow, very well done video. Thanks for making this RC model and the video.

[@CatamanGMF]

Super Super AWESOME work my friend. Can't wait to see on water!!! Keep it up.

[@d35p0]

Best slideshow on youtube I have ever seen.

[@ilovemyhonda250ex]

This is really awesome guys, Nice work

[@coasmechteranic]

Nice job guys, nice job...

[@mikemac2888]

0:40 - didn't know you were using Pana-Vision 35mm film cameras back then. Good to see you upgraded both cameras and carrier. Looking better all the time!

[@haubro18]

Nice work. Explanation of the steps goes well with the Jolly Roger Bay music.

[@lizmalanaphy9817]

Very cool, worth a sub.

[@stanleycarter6275]

Well done looks great

[@rynyin]

Great work!

[@hamradiojim6788]

OUTSTANDING! Having seen the real thing, I can attest this project is quite an undertaking and the documentary really nails it. Part II will undoubtedly wrap it up nicely...can't wait to see it. Lots of attention has gone into this boat and it shows. No doubt the performance will be equally great and the team will catch it all on film. Exceptional!! Jim, a.k.a. VideoOne

[@MANOSRC]

EPIC UNDERTAKING!!!! GOOD LUCK, BIG THUMBS UP!!!

[@Freddo-oh5ki]

i feel like im whatching a documentary!

[@stephenangus2941]

oh thanks all you workers it is all good you have done fantastic stuff thanks very much it's great help

[@Rapidnadion]

Arved, we considered all types of propulsion options, but internal and external combustion engines come with drawbacks such as volatile fuel, providing enough combustion air and machinery space ventilation, noise levels, and exhaust heat and residue. Electric made the most sense as the many auxiliary functions can be run off one or more big batteries, which also help to fill the ballasting requirement.

[@timothycoleman8916]

I have enjoyed watching these videos. I lived and worked on the Enterprise. I have dreamed of building one of these ,but its pointless unless you can fly on and off. You guys have seemed to come close of what I have watched so far. BRAVO ! I used to lay in my rack and do the math on scaling down a ship model, so you can fly RC aircraft on and off. 30yrs ago I came up with a scale of 21ft length x about 9ft width . lol

[@Rapidnadion]

Thanks very much!

[@JeffFromTheIRS]

You should do these more often! Looks great :)

[@indunikamadarasinghe9038]

keep up the best work!

[@turtle0419]

Awesome video

[@rocker95ify]

so cool cant wait !!

[@Rapidnadion]

Yes. We don't supply more detailed information because of the sub missiles' high potential for injury. Sorry!

[@mastermodelmaker]

Nice scratchbuid!! keep working, this will be the bigger aircraft carrier rc ever!!

[@cynthialevin9894]

I love the video man

[@RobertjBrown88]

I forgot that I subbed to you guys. But I am glad that I did. Great work!

[@chrisbuchanan9117]

Awesome!

[@EPAwesomeness]

I love your channel, keep it up! I really enjoy it because I design ships, so this really makes me happy because I love ships ALOT.

[@MrRiderOfficial]

me to

[@TCfoxs]

I am very excited.

[@patitapabanprusty2834]

marvellous

[@MistRVertexZ]

amazing!

[@cuongphi5158]

so cool you on the navy ship dude !

[@xKmotx]

Two thumbs up!

[@fjwreviews]

That was awesome

[@slateer55]

Magnificent

[@DickGibson]

Way kool man!!

[@stephenangus2941]

what a hoot some guys been spending the time doing some really interesting things helpful for me to consider with what I want to do the spaceship remote control I don't believe it's really possible but I'm enjoying the challenge I'm going to pick up Ideas around the place need someone like SpaceX to get it done properly

[@razgrizpnoy16]

awesome!!!!

[@Rapidnadion]

We'll be using at least one group 24, 650 mca marine battery. We need to add around 150 lbs. to get her to float on her lines.

[@Spencer-ty4sl]

I hope to see that completed.

[@tractionengine11]

Very very nice, looking good, what batteries are you going to use? Thanks for posting

[@danieltaylor5542]

Truly outstanding craftsmanship and attention to detail! One question though, how did you get the same guy who narrates Navy training videos to narrate yours?

[@deeznutzofficialcritic9881]

That’s awesome

[@Datttsnake]

Awesome

[@DerKrawallkeks]

awesome!!!=)

[@joshuamilne5700]

You guys need to make a hobby store dedicated to boats NOW

[@JoeOvercoat]

Great work, that! 3:44 Can you describe how you made the plexiglass rudders? Did you use a scoring tool to cut squares out of a 1/4" sheet, then sand & drill to shape & set the rudder posts, respectively?

[@Rapidnadion]

Victor, we just glue the motor onto the end of a dowel and use the supplied igniters.

[@TheRanblingjohnny]

Not just any mahogany, either. This mahogany is from the planet of Malchior 7, where the trees are three hundred feet tall and breath fire! It is from these trees that this carrier was forged two thousand years ago, using ancient blood rituals of the Malchior people. Not only does it make this carrier NIGH INDESTRUCTIBLE, but it can bend the fabric of the universe itself! Also, it's a very fine material. Very expensive. ...Mahogany.

[@Rapidnadion]

The motors run at only 1/3 of rated voltage, and don't get hot.

[@SoMuchAviation22]

This is just crazy

[@zumbimaluco]

Please, make the USS Missouri, with moving cannons and turrets (it will need a HUGE remote control) at this size, or, maybe, the HMS Victory (at this size) with smoke cannons, that will be just AMAZING!

[@Maring0418]

Holy crap, it's Michael Fischer from Pocketnow! I never connected the dots 0_0

[@Dimondback999]

I know this comments 2 years old but as soon as he started talking I was thinking this voice sounds so familiar I can’t be the only one

[@rjdrvr330]

Great job! How did you get the HUD on the F-22?

[@fmotas]

Nice :D It would be nice to launch and land small foamy rc jets to give it more scale

[@Rapidnadion]

We're fortunate enough to be building it within walking distance of its launch basin.

[@stevelecuyer6709]

Always wanted to build a RC carrier. Excellent job! Curious what your using for speed controllers? I have a Mr. Darby with high torque Marx GT500 motors with planetary gear transmissions and keep burning up my Vantec VAN713H controller. My other controller is a MCD SC330FET. I'm looking to replace both controllers. I'm turning twin 3.75" four blade props. FYI, I was stationed on the real USS Kitty Hawk in the late 70's, attached to VA52 with A6E aircraft. Interesting to see her name in RC use.

[@Kris80201]

Hi guys, Super job on the Kitty Hawk hey can you give the dimensions of the plywood Thanks Keep up the good work

[@Boomax-rr5fk]

How did you bend the pieces of wood for the frame? I'm thinking of making something like this (will be used as a one-seat boat that will be paddled, so I'll structurally support it more).

[@15Scania]

I'm french and i have'nt all understand. I'd like to know what sort of wood are you using ? verry impressive work.

[@Mathyueng]

Nice

[@2lo4sno]

I haven't seen in your videos yet on how you do the smoke/steam on your plane catapult system. I assume dry ice is involved, but not sure on the deployment method. How do you make that system work? The boat looks great!

[@Rapidnadion]

We answered the same question two months ago in the comments for our "Jumbo RC Carrier Gets A Refit" video. You will find a detailed explanation there..

[@Raptorgrizz]

0:54, no hobby project photo is complete without a can o' beer in it. Last time I showed my friends a photo of my RC rock crawler all torn apart on the kitchen counter, all people noticed was the can of Hamms in the midst of it all. =)

[@jeettulshiyan1498]

nice aircraft carrier

[@Pippippipvk]

Hey rapit cool video and i have a question who much dud this modell cost, where do you live and how long is the ship in meters?

[@uscgtankerwhitmore8777]

What did you guys use for props because i have been building a great lakes canaler and need one prop, 2-2 1/2 " dia.

[@Rapidnadion]

CV 63 USS Kitty Hawk

[@jeffersonsteelflex9616]

Those 6 hc970 motors must be pretty powerful to move such a massive vessel

[@jlhcreations9001]

I don't know if you've done or talked about this (on video) but how do you make a hole into the ship for the propellers without it leaking?

[@Rapidnadion]

The clearances between the shafts o. d. and stuffing tubes i.d. are minimal, and they are only submerged maybe 2 - 3 inches, so the pressure so close to the surface is very little. A light coating of oil also helps keep the seawater out.

[@Ethano2014]

when are you gonna make another video? Is it possible that you can build the USS Iowa?

[@jtyahoo4603]

WoW real cool, can anyone tell me how to get the plans to build, thinking of making either fiberglass or composite carbon

[@johnmarston3921]

How long did it take u guys to make this beautiful beast?

[@Rapidnadion]

four months to launch time, but a few more years on and off to add more details and functions.

[@ceratoraptor1814]

Hey rapidNadion, you guys are awesome. I am very interested in ships now and I'm planing to try building scale model ships from scratch and I have a question, how do you make the superstructure and other details not look like they are made of wood?

[@Rapidnadion]

We use at least one primer coat, then ~ 2 or 3 coats of enamel paint, flat or semi-gloss depending on application

[@niroshunweerakkody4002]

I have this copper rudder for my rc aircraft carrier and it has a weird copper tube and the rudder won't fit inside it how do i install it?

[@samd8669]

0:51 I could just see Martin Brody from Jaws saying "you're gonna need a bigger boat"

[@tobymorris346]

+Rapidnation What wood did you make it out of as me and my grandpa are making a nimitz class carrier that will sail but we don't know what to make it out of please advise. With thanks, Tobster

[@Rapidnadion]

Toby, whole boat is pretty much A/C plywood, the bottom is made from 3/8" and the sides are 3/16" The flight deck is 3/8' Mahogany marine plywood, all primed and painted at least 3 coats to protect against water intrusion / warping.

[@Mxtt13]

I thought you guys quit KZbin for a moment.... Thank god you haven't

[@Rapidnadion]

You will. :)

[@Rapidnadion]

Unsure at this point, but we've been working for four months at this juncture, so ... many.

[@danielrowe1511]

damn that's a big ship compared to the older one at 3:06

[@andrewsrc7717]

So over all it's a canoe dressed up for Halloween!!

[@g4b340]

@rapidnation use a co2 tank for a launching mechanism