Replies to This Discussion

3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on March 28, 2010 at 11:26am

And to start with my $0.02: I would consider having this made in China, to avoid regulatory barriers around manufacture in export-controlled zones.

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Permalink Reply by Jay Smith on March 28, 2010 at 1:06pm

Do have in mind "One Design" type competitions, or general all purpose do everything UAV?

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Permalink Reply by Chris McNair on March 28, 2010 at 11:30am

Good call Chris. So the first thing we need to answer is size and type.

Suggestions?

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Morli on March 28, 2010 at 12:45pm

My two cents
0.32-0.46 nitro or equivalent electric, 13 -20 mt/sec speed, 30-45 min + endurance, modular structure, 4" x 6" payload bay that will house all electronics, battery , cam , vid tx, RC rx, high wing low loading, 2pc wing, 60-76" wing span capable of decent glide, removable tail boom with standard tail , 3 pc landing gear as standard or optional, all three control surface etc

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Permalink Reply by Ahmed on March 28, 2010 at 12:29pm

This will be fun.

I think that size and type/configuration mainly depends on type of mission. the first step must be defining mission type and we should be precise and clear on choosing one.

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on March 28, 2010 at 1:19pm

Agreed. Here's my list:

1) Primary mission type: Aerial photography/imaging

2) Easily transportable, including by air (2 piece wing, possible 2-piece body). Designed to fit in a golf case for air travel.

3) 30-45 min endurance

4) Large payload bay under CG

5) Hand launchable; landing gear optional

6) Friable materials (foam, fiberglass, or balsa)

7) Pusher configuration, single motor

8) Electric, designed around 3,000-5,000 Mah 3C Lipo

9) Relatively easy to fly (ie, probably not a flying wing)

In short, a better version of the Raven clone would be perfect!

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Gary Mortimer on March 28, 2010 at 2:16pm

Flying wings are easy to fly Chris. But there was this....

I was thinking about getting it out of the shed for another task. It actually fits just about all of your design requirements. only snag is its not made in China, but Newport Pagnell instead!

The only reason it went away was because wings are just so much easier.

http://www.vimeo.com/5758244

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on March 28, 2010 at 5:18pm

I don't know about you, but I have trouble launching them. My technique looks like this and is equally shakey:

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Permalink Reply by Chris McNair on March 28, 2010 at 5:42pm

Oh Chris you got the launch all wrong, my daughter can throw it harder then that..... Man I am offering to come out to your place to show you the proper way ..... =)

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3D RoboticsPermalink Reply by Chris Anderson on March 28, 2010 at 6:11pm

Got any videos of the correct technique? I could use the help!

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Permalink Reply by Chris McNair on March 28, 2010 at 6:42pm

I will do some digging. If not I will go make one. I will admit a discuss launch is very scarry when you got a couple of grand in your hand.....

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ModeratorPermalink Reply by Morli on March 28, 2010 at 6:46pm

here is one that I have seen most commonly used like you would throw a Frisbee

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