The Balsa wood planes are made of different sized sheets of this lightweight and delicate material called Balsa wood. 

There were many different parts which we manufactured in our groups of 5 to 6. We used wood drying glue which is stronger than just normal PVA glue. To cut the Balsa wood we used a fret saw which was easier, quicker and more accurate.

To hold the plane parts together to dry we used coloured wood dowels which corresponded to our houses colours and elastic bands. The motor was powered by 2 lithium Iron batteries in a plastic case which we soldered together and then soldered both of the battery packs to a propeller which was placed on the front or on both wings. We based our planes on a prototype made by Mr Sadigh which had had many prototypes before that.

The flight for Aspiration was very successful as they took the lead in points for collaboration, teamwork, design and distance flown. The prototype set the benchmark distance, followed by Endeavour then Diversity and finally Aspiration. But after a battering for all of the planes it was a successful 2 days for all of the houses and was a fun experience for everyone.

Nat Taylor (Year 9)