RC Model EDF Thrust Stand

[jjr2001]

Here is a little Static thrust tester for electric ducted fans. These EDFs are currently used in model aircraft of all sorts.This fixture will hold any fan from 40mm to 90mm. 90 mm is the largest that I have used it with. I "calibrated" it in lbs. This is a rough calibration using calibrated spring scales and then simply marking the slide.
The slides are just ball bearing drawer slides that have the grease removed and then coated with a bit of silicone spray lube to reduce friction. Works fine for obtaining the thrust that a motor/fan combination will produce. If I need more accuracy I replace my spring with a digital scale and read the thrust directly from it.

It can also be used once the EDF assembly has been installed in the aircraft. I simply place the fixture against a post or wall and insert the nose of the plane in the black housing that is shown in the picture. (normally a fan and motor would be installed there). Once it is in place and the plane is ready just run up the throttle and measure the static thrust.


RC Model Thrust Stand