Stratus 500 - A1 mini version, original size

This is a A1 mini version of the  Stratus 500 glider!

Many makers have asked for a version that fits smaller print beds, and here it is. This model keeps the original size and excellent flying characteristics of the Stratus 500, but has been redesigned into multiple parts to fit a 180 × 180 mm build plate.

If you're looking for a larger glider that is also compatible with smaller print beds, check out the Cumulus 680 version as well. 50 meters flight video!

⭐ Save for later — quick print, easy build, reliable flight

Thanks for your patience—and I hope you enjoy building and flying it!

If you enjoy building or flying it, a Boost 🚀 really helps and lets me keep improving these designs!

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I wanted to design something that flies well and has a reasonable wingspan.  

• 500 mm wingspan for improved glide performance
• Ultra lightweight < 20 gram
• Fits on a 180×180 mm print bed
• No glue required
• snaps together in 2 minutes
• Far better glide than typical one-piece micro planes
• Dihedral wing 

ADD-ONS:

(click on picture for more)

Special Note

Hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed creating it! My 11-year-old son deserves full credit for the idea of a screw-adjustable center-of-gravity mechanism, a feature that makes fine-tuning the glide easy.

Feel free to upload a picture of your color choice or finished print—I'd love to see your glider in action.

Assembly guide:

1.Fuselage: Join the two parts of the fuselage as below

2.Rudder: Press the rudder firmly into the counterparts on the fuselage.

3. Wings assembly: Join the two wing halves and press the clamps on tightly

4.  Wings on fuselage: Lay the fuselage upside down on a table. Align the two wings with the fuselage slots and insert the wing clamps. Press until they are fully inserted.

5. Elevator: Insert the elevator by gently opening the slot. When fully inserted the snap lock will keep the elevator in place.

6. Front conus: The front conus is screwed on the front of the fuselage. Note: There might be some resistance the first time it is mounted. The CG can be adjusted by screwing and unscrewing the conus.

Adjustments of center of gravity (CG):

Planes may not fly exactly the same because differences in filament, infill, and conditions can affect their weight and balance. For this reason, the CG can be adjusted to optimize flight performance.

To get it to fly: Grip the airplane lightly and toss it straight forward with a gentle push, not a hard throw.