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Project · Intermediate

The Cargo Plane

A big scratch-built foam-board cargo hauler — 79½″ span, FT Radial 4030 on 6S, and a 100A ESC. Designed to lift, haul, and (optionally) drop cargo.

Scratch-built foam-board RC cargo plane

This one is all about size and lift. It's a flat-bottom-wing park flyer built from 5mm foam board, scaled way up — big enough to carry a payload and stable enough to fly in moderate wind. The FT Radial 4030 on 6S with a 20×13 prop gives it the grunt to haul, and an optional cargo-drop setup turns it into a flying delivery truck.

Watch the full build and flights on YouTube.

▶ Watch the porta-potty drop

Airframe

TypeRC park flyer
Wingspan79½″ (202 cm)
Length62″ (157.5 cm)
Wing chord ≈12″ (31 cm)
Weight~2600 g (5 lb 12 oz)
Material5 mm Readi-Board foam
WingFlat-bottom, rubber-band mount
Fuselage4×6 box-style profile
TailConventional
Control surfacesElevator, rudder, ailerons

Electronics

MotorFT Radial 4030 510Kv
ESCHobbywing 100A
PropellerGemfan 20×13E two-blade
ServosHextronik HXT900 9 g
TransmitterTaranis QX7
ReceiverRadioMaster R86C V2 6CH
BatteryGraphene 5000 mAh 6S LiPo

Setup & flying

Balance & assembly

  • CG: ~2″ from the leading edge
  • Spar: ¼″×1″×5″ wing spar reinforcement
  • Servos: mounted as close to CG as possible
  • Landing gear: wire gear with 5″ wheels (FT Scout XL)

Transmitter settings

  • Mode: 2 (throttle on left)
  • Expo: 30% (smooth for beginners)
  • Dual rates: elevator 70%, rudder 70%

What worked

  • Flat-bottom wing keeps a big plane stable and predictable
  • Plenty of power on 6S to lift a payload and fly in moderate wind
  • Rubber-band wing mount makes transport and repairs easy

What to watch / change

  • ● 100A / 6S is a lot of energy — respect the prop and wiring
  • ● At this size, get the CG right before the maiden; nose-heavy is safer than tail-heavy
  • ● Reinforce the spar and firewall before adding cargo weight

Build this — parts list

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Links go to a specific product that matches the spec. Two parts (marked *) aren't sold on Amazon under their original brand, so the link is the closest same-spec equivalent — check it against your build before buying.

Build a checklist for your plane Full Gear Guide

Keep building