Short brothers SC.1 VTOL (detailed replica of a historic aircraft)

[Majorjim!]

Hi all,

I am very happy to be able to show you my new replica of the Short Brothers SC.1 experimental aircraft.

This is one for aviation enthusiasts and therefore most people will not know of it. So I will explain a little about this aircraft.

The SC.1 was designed to meet a Ministry of Supply (MoS) request for a vertical take-off research aircraft in 1953.

The SC.1 was a single-seat, low wing, tailless delta wing aircraft of approximately 8,000 lb all-up weight.

It was the first 'flat rising' jet VTOL to be designed. At the time, the Americans where banking on 'tail sit' aircraft.

It was powered by four vertically mounted, lightweight Rolls-Royce RB108 lift engines and one RB.108 cruise engine in the rear to provide thrust for forward flight.

The SC.1 was built after the testing of the Rolls Royce thrust measuring rig.

I really wanted to make this aircraft after seeing this picture:

I thought it would be a nice challenge to keep the scale correct with the thrust measuring rig.

After much fiddling and swearing I have managed to create a vtol that both looks like the real one and is a similar scale.

The small size of the aircraft caused a lot of COM and COL issues. I have had to add some parts to the nose to balance the craft and keep the COM as central

as possible during fuel depletion.

I added some reaction wheels too but you can fly it without for an extra challenge. She is a tiny bit heavy in the nose which doesn't cause any issues as she

will settle to a slight nose down position at low speed. This caused me no control issues thankfully! Space was getting real tight inside the fuselage.

The plane is capable of controlled hover and transition from vertical to horizontal flight and back again. With practice!

It is possible to flip the aircraft and generally loose control if you are careless.

I reduced the thrust of the lift engine as it will become unstable at high thrust. So keep the speed low when in hover mode. Its just like a sketchy experimental aircraft!

Not for novice pilots!

Ok here is a short video I made showing the general capabilities of the SC.1. Its my first edited video now that I bought Bandicam, so be nice.

The sound seems a little low for some reason. Its OK through headphones though.

And some pics.

Thank you all for looking and happy flying.

DOWNLOAD SC.1 VTOL

Edited October 20, 2014 by Majorjim

[GusTurbo]

Super cool! A real demonstration of your design abilities.

[astropapi1]

I love small designs like this. Have some imaginary rep, since I've given you a lot lately.

[CG_Kerbin]

Those are really good I love them we'll done

[Majorjim!]

Super cool! A real demonstration of your design abilities.

Thanks man. I had a lot of fun, and headaches making this!

I love small designs like this. Have some imaginary rep, since I've given you a lot lately.

Cheers Astropapi!

I'm really happy with the little video too. I think I will upload a crash compilation. Because there where many during tessting!

Edited October 21, 2014 by Majorjim

[Guest]

Very nice craft

Cute shape overall and the cockpit is especially well made

Edited October 21, 2014 by RevanCorana

[Majorjim!]

Very nice craft

Cute shape overall and the cockpit is especially well made

Thanks man.

Originally I wanted to use the Rockomax 48-7S engines for lift as the real SC.1 has four little lift engines.

You can just make them out in this pic:

So I'm making a much more true to life shape version but due to the small size fuel runs out very quick so its not really usable without infinite fuel.

But its much lighter now so the fuel in there gives it a good COM. Its still really fun to fly with infinite fuel.

Here are some pics:

The solar panel canopy is a WIP I'm not sure if I will use it, but it will look cool!

MJ

Edited October 24, 2014 by Majorjim

[astropapi1]

I like the way you made the front thingy with an antenna and a backwards radial intake. Lots of creative thinking, I see.

I'm really loving 0.25. It got me into building planes again.