Building my first UAV for photography: i'm lost :(

Greetings all.I am interested in building a UAV for personal use, mainly to attach a digital camera or possibly a pan-able video camera and have a flight time of ~1 hour, with decent range.I've searche this site along with others, but I can't seem to find any info on an ecconomical PLANE body to use. I'd like something that would be as close to a "out the box, ready to fly" setup, that can fly slow and hold a camera.I assume that a foam glider-style plane would be useful, but ive googled everything, and i get it all from 4 rotor circle looking things, to biplanes and f16's. I want something relatively similar and simple like the military's version of the UAV, or whatever can come close on a budget.I understand i'll have to add a GPS based autopilot/direction item, as well as probably upgrade the control signal and battery. Thanks for your help!!!

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  • no, actually i already read that, but it didnt answer my questions.

    i already understand whats needed for a uav...but im sure i cant just go to any hobby shop, buy any plane, strap any camera to it, and expect it to fly correctly...or can i?

    just from building simple paper plane designs, i know that weight, and placement of weight, can impact a plane's flight dramatically. I was simply wondering which plane body is most efficient, and easy to attach the needed accessories to make this an unmanned, automated photography device.

    i am also wanting something that can be hand launched and belly land, as "runway" settings and conditions are going to be unpredictable
  • Admin
    @Phyber,
    Like Sgt.Ric said, you haven't looked at all !! ;-) ,the very first page, top middle session (next to model+RC picture) is the whole length of instructions that is dedicated for newcomers.Pls Read them thoroughly or start here and you will be alright. :) cheers
  • thanks, i admit my searching was shor tlived, i saw info, but would rather talk to people and ask direct questions, being that all of this is 100% foreign to me.

    i'll see what i can do.
  • Moderator
    Well, I don't think you looked very hard because this site has many threads/blogs devoted to this very question.. whole sections infact!

    One of the most popular "out the box, ready to fly" platforms is the EasyStar.

    As to your comment about "a GPS based autopilot/direction item"...again you've come to the right place!

    Again, try a little harder to readup on both here on this site. (try starting on "MAIN" page)
  • EDIT: just found the TwinStar II kit plane...this fits the budget and ease of use/toughness...but will it be able to have a small camera mounted to it, along with the necessary AutoPilot devices? Thanks
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