SPEC OF PROJECT

Build an airframe to be able to travel aprox 900 miles.
Use a ENT pnd as the controller and gps platform.
Comunicate with the UAV via cellphone modem to laptop.
Use Google Earth as the mapping and position indicator.
Photograph the area of interest storing info on board UAV to be downloaded when recovered.


AIRFRAME
Using a SMD Accipiter Badius as a basis,enlarge the airframe by 2.5 times.
Using a weedeater motor, centre mount the engine at the centre of pressure.
This will allow the UAV to stay in balance as the fuel is used.
Airframe to be filled with fuel and also 2 inboard drop tanks.
The airframe selected has displayed good performance in recovering from unusal attitudes with no control inputs.
Need about 100km per hour airspeed.
Have a small wind generator for power with battery backup.

Will start construction of airframe this week and supply more info and photos as it happens.



ps The last UAV i had seen and was involved with was in the airforce in the 80s.
This craft was shot down and landed in Maputo Harbour Mozambique during our bush war with the ANC in those days.