Sep 15, 2016 | By Benedict
3DLabPrint, a 3D printable R/C airplane website, has released its latest model: the Messerschmitt Bf 109 H/F, an aircraft used by the German Luftwaffe during World War II. The flyable, 1/12 scale, 3D printable model has a wingspan of 40.6 or 35 inches, depending on the version.
Once flown by German World War II pilots, the Messerschmitt Bf 109, commonly called the Me 109, was one of the most capable aircraft of its era, with an all-metal monocoque construction, closed canopy, and retractable landing gear. The fighter plane, designed Willy Messerschmitt and Robert Lusser during the early to mid-1930s, was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted-V12 aero engine. With the aid of a 3D printer and some assembly skills, aircraft enthusiasts can now recreate the 109 H/F at 1/12 scale, as 3DLabPrint has created a fully 3D printable model for the Luftwaffe flyer.
3DLabPrint, an online repository of 3D printable aircraft, lists most of its downloadable items for $20 each, and has also created 3D models for the Spitfire Mk XVI, P51-D Mustang, and other iconic planes. The Me 109, the latest addition to the collection, also costs just $20, and comes with all STL files, Factory files for the Simplify3D slicer, step-by-step video and textual user guides, G-codes, settings for CURA and MatterControl slicers, Scale marking PDFs, and a 3D printable stand.
According to 3DLabPrint, flight characteristics of the 3D printable Messerschmitt Bf 109 are comparable or even better than those exhibited by conventionally built model airplanes. In addition to the 3D printed parts, the only required extras are glue, a brushless motor, an ESC, servos, and a radio system. The model is capable of flying for 7+ minutes at full throttle, at speeds of up to 150 km/h. The plane also has a low stall speed, and is therefore easy to land.
“Extensive hi-tech 3D structural reinforcement makes the model very rigid while still maintaining [a] lightweight airframe and exact airfoil even when it is made only from plastic,” 3DLabPrint explains. “This perfect and exact 3D structure is possible only due to additive 3D printing technology. So welcome to the 21st century of model flying—be the first at your airfield.”
Makers can choose to 3D print either the “H” version of the Messerschmitt Bf 109 or the “F.” The real H variant had larger wings than the smaller F, whose development began in 1939. A model of the smaller F version can be built with a wingspan of 35 inches, as opposed to the 40.6 inch wingspan of the H version.
The model aircraft can be printed on any high-temperature 3D printer with a build volume of 195 x 195 x 150 mm or larger, and a 0.4 mm (0.35 or 0.5 mm also acceptable) nozzle. A heated print bed is recommended, as is PLA filament. Using ABS is not advised. 3DLabPrint has provided a list of R/C components, with makers able to choose between a high performance setup or an eco version, which costs around $30.
The 3D printable Messerschmitt Bf 109 H/F follows the earlier introduction of the 3D printable Messerschmitt Bf 109T airplane earlier this year.
Posted in 3D Printing Application
Maybe you also like:
- Steel yourself with colorFabb's new steelFill metal filament for desktop 3D printers
- Onkyo and Siemens launch line of bespoke 3D printed in-ear monitors
- Metamaterial Mechanisms enables a 3D printer to mimmic machines from a single object
- Open a beer bottle with the gorgeous 3D printed adhesive nails by NEO NAIL TECH
- How 3D digital technology powered Brazil’s fencing team at the 2016 Rio Olympics
- This 35mm camera was created entirely from 3D printed parts, even the lens is 3D printed!
- See how The New Raw is turning plastic waste into useful 3D printing projects
- €920K grant brings biomedical engineer closer to life-saving 3D printed brain implants
- Custom 3D printed insoles from Phits help athletes recover from injury
- Sci-fi inspired DIY Raspberry Pi powered Smart Mirror uses 3D printing to get the job done
- KLM debuts first ever 3D printed in-flight draught beer trolley