Lapyx 3

retired

First airframe with a torsion-box wing — stable enough to host an autopilot and onboard solar panels.

Year: 2024
Wingspan: 3.2 m
Weight: 2.8 kg
Flight Time: 40 minutes

STORY

build log

On April 23, 2024, Lapyx 3 took to the skies and demonstrated significantly improved flight dynamics over Lapyx 2. So far it has completed two 10-minute flights.

The main improvement over Lapyx 2 is the addition of a torsion box in the wings. The wings consist of mostly balsa wood, with some plywood and carbon-fiber parts. The wing is covered with the same plastic film used on Lapyx 2. Both the tail and the fuselage have been iterated upon to reduce the weight and complexity of the components.

The airframe has been deemed stable enough for the implementation of an autopilot and stiff enough for the installation of solar panels.