This site covers details on the development of a RC plane by Team No. 03 | Flappy Birds dubbed the Zappy Canard 489 (ZC 489). This Design Project was designated as a part of the module ME3610 | Design of Mechatronics Systems offered at Sri Lanka Institute of Technology in the year 2021.

The Design of Mechatronics System project was to develop a Radio Controlled (RC) plane. This plane was required to carry a payload whilst completing two laps of the SLIIT grounds in a safe manner.

Design limitations imposed on the project are as follows:

• Single propeller

• Max Wing Span ( 1.2 m )

• Payload bay sizing ( 5" x 1,5" x 1.5" with tolerance of +/- 0.1")

1) Safety:

• Whilst construction (PPE and precautions taken for team members)

• Whilst testing (PPE, precautions to be taken and securing test area)

• User Guideline (Aspects of safety the user should be aware of)

2) Completion of flight requirement:

• Take off, flight and landing without damage

• Complete two flight laps

3) Push to highest payload requirement:

• Carry a range between 30% and 80% payload

4) Challenge ourselves with design complexity:

• Build Canard type

5) Aesthetics:

• Themed: Zapdos (evolution of flappy bird)

Our methods of fabrication were severely influenced by the COVID pandemic. Having considered the unpredictability of the country's status; facility of material acquisition, material processing and assembly with time consideration were given the highest priority.

Type and Size Specifications

The canard type RC aircraft, its design was chosen for stability in stall prevention as well as its unconventional design. Through the understanding obtained in our literature study and refinement in analysis through XFLR5, the ZC-489 was designed and its specifications were selected.

Structural characteristics

With regard to its resistance structural integrity, simulated load tested as a polystyrene foam (yield strength of 0.379) it was found that our wing loading had a 2.2 factor of safety which is more than satisfactory.