Building my UAV Modular Test Platform - Part 2 - Blogs

I completed the airframe of my Modular Test Platform this week. It's core function is to allow me to test, repair, and replace each section individually, cutting down on prototyping cost and time.

The airplane itself is made from Bluecor aka Fan Fold Foam, and is supported by poplar wooden dowels. These serve two purposes: support the airframe by adding rigidity, and allow for each section to be removed and added as needed.

The wing is a Kfm2 airfoil, which has pretty good performance while being very easy to build. I added a little dihedral on the ends of the wing in the hope of gaining additional stability as this airplane, for the moment, does not have ailerons (which I can easily add later as this is modular!).

I'm still waiting on my Hobby King order to come in to replace a faulty motor/esc they sent me last time (I actually don't know what the EXACT issue is, it might even be my rx/tx) but when they come in I hope to complete the build and get it in the air.

In the end, this is all supporting my five year plan to fly an rc airplane across the United States. See http://www.mygeekshow.com/five-year-plan for the full details.

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IKE June 6, 2011 at 4:29am

Trent I made this fast in 3D Studio Max, it took me about 15' but I use this software for many years and although I cannot claim to have master it, I can do the things I want quite fast. 3DSmax is quite expensive but you can have similar results with most 3D software, especially if you create something as basic as this. I saw in your video that you tested Sketchup. If you like 3D I suggest you start learning it, it is one of the most intuitive and the basic skills you'll acquire from it will apply to most 3D software or even engineering CAD.
Trent at MyGeekShow June 6, 2011 at 3:45am

Great idea. Hadn't thought of that and it will be added. Thanks!
Russell B. Sutton June 5, 2011 at 9:43pm

Also Trent you need to some down and right pitch to the motor as well. It will help fight torque roll @ full throttle, and keep the nose from wanting to climb vertical in a climb. Add about 1-2 deg to the right and 2-3 deg down.
Trent at MyGeekShow June 5, 2011 at 9:25pm

IKE: Thank you for doing that! Which program did you use? how long did it take you to get proficient at it? how long did it take you to make that illustration?
IKE June 5, 2011 at 7:01am

Thank you! I just made it for this post, glad you like it :)
Trent at MyGeekShow June 5, 2011 at 6:48am

IKE: WOW! That illustration is SWEEET! (did you make this?) I totally get you, that is a great idea.
IKE June 5, 2011 at 6:09am

Great work Trent both on your designs and also for your videos, I subscribed :)

If I may suggest an idea, although I am a complete noob on this subject :P

You can make a wooden plate (P) where the motor could be attached with 4 bolts. The plate can be glued to the front 'bulkhead' (B) of the fuselage. In that way you can bypass the heat problem and use a lot of glue to attach the plate to the bulkhead. Also you can change the motor by simply unscrew the bolts.

PS. I haven't tried it, it is just an idea!
eduardo June 4, 2011 at 10:12pm

great air frame brother ... i take some ideas from your design.

tomorrow i transform my stick frame in the modular one.
Russell B. Sutton June 4, 2011 at 7:52pm

I like how basic this build is. It shows how to create an RC airplane that has a great chance for just a few bucks. Cool.
Trent at MyGeekShow June 4, 2011 at 10:55am

Geoffrey: I like that idea... next motor mount, that's what I'll do. Thank you for the tip!

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