Durafly Zephyr ground plate with skids

thingiverse

The FMS Durafly Zephyr has gained notoriety for its tumultuous landings, largely attributed to its low-wing design and brisk landing speeds that have resulted in numerous aircraft coming up short. The model itself caught my attention several months prior, but remained dormant as I pondered the feasibility of assembling it myself and putting it through its paces. As I delved deeper into the rcgroups forums (thread available here: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1639354), I came to the realization that the model necessitated a few alterations. I therefore resolved to apply modifications in an attempt to mitigate these landing difficulties and fortify its attachment to the fuselage. Firstly, I chose to bind the wings securely using masking tape, which served as a stopgap measure against the onset of flutter. I further developed this idea by designing a landing skid that would enhance stability during landing and strengthen the wing's adhesion to the fuselage. To ensure the mod was foolproof, I added velcro beneath the leading edge of each wing section. Not content to leave well enough alone, I also extended it up the upper surface. Using my trusty Dremel tool, I minimized its depth to preserve the plane's original aerodynamic angle, effectively preventing its premature removal. An additional touch was integrating a glass fiber reinforcement along with one other skid at the leading edge for extra strength and reliability in case of a mishap.