HPA

Indoor Free Flight Forum => Capacitor Powered Indoor Models => Topic started by: 9600baud on Jan 03, 2026, 12:28 PM

Title: Short Skyvan
Post by: 9600baud on Jan 03, 2026, 12:28 PM
Hi all,

here is my latest capacitor model, it's a Short Skyvan. I selected this model because of the boxy fuselage which I thought was easy enough to build.
The build was OK, I'm not too happy with the edges on the nose of the model.

It flies quite fast, probably because of a relative high wing loading (9.9 g/dm2), I'm usually shooting for 5 g to 7 g. Still, I count it as a success.

Here is a short video:

Wingspan: 410 mm / 16"
Weight: 18.4 g
Motors: 2 x 615 brushed motors
SuperCap: 3V / 15F

Cheers
Alex
Title: Re: Short Skyvan
Post by: g_kandylakis on Jan 03, 2026, 12:52 PM
Hi Alex,

one of my favorites, very nice!

Christian ("CF-ECM") is also a fan, I am sure he will enjoy it too.

A bit fast yes, and the tight banking might make the passengers airsick, true, but it flies very well.

What are the technical options to go slightly bigger? The Skyvan has a tiny wing, so it might benefit from an area increase with a still low weight, if that can be achieved.

Are there stronger motors or is it the capacitor voltage an issue? Have very little knwoledge about them, only built 1-2 ready to build stick models...
Title: Re: Short Skyvan
Post by: 9600baud on Jan 03, 2026, 01:59 PM
Thanks George!

Slightly bigger wing would work I guess. I'm a bit limited with the gym where I'm flying and the storage place at home :D

Stronger motors are possible, e.g. 716, but these are then also heavier and draw more amps. Another option are geared motors like on the Microplano Veloz. Louder, but definitely more efficient.

I'm sure this will not be the last cargo like plane I'll build. I admire Mike Stuart and his models very much, especially the Bristol Superfreighter! OK OK, still very much to learn, I know :D

Alex
Title: Re: Short Skyvan
Post by: TheLurker on Jan 03, 2026, 04:52 PM
Nice model.  We've got a semi-regular Skyvan hereabouts, stooges in and out of Brize and it always pleases me to see it.  I assume it's being used for parachute training. 

Quote from: g_kandylakis...might make the passengers airsick...
MrsL still has distinctly unpleasant memories of a turbulent Skyvan flight we took from Exeter to Jersey in January '90.  It was so bad she threatened to abandon the trip when we stopped at Guernsey!
Title: Re: Short Skyvan
Post by: Raggedflyer on Jan 03, 2026, 05:14 PM

[/quote]
MrsL still has distinctly unpleasant memories of a turbulent Skyvan flight we took from Exeter to Jersey in January '90.  It was so bad she threatened to abandon the trip when we stopped at Guernsey!
[/quote]

Ditto the above experience except my recollection was sitting mid ships when the twin engine beat was strong enough to draw ear wax back and forth from ear to ear