I think it would be an OK platform for a UAV. A well tuned AP does not need hands free stable.
BUT, it is not a cheap platform. An easystar will cost you double the base kit cost to get flying. This will cost you 4 times $250, unless you want a turbine. Then it will cost you 8 times.
And you will need some skill to take off and land it. Allan, I suspect the people at your field who say it is stable do not mean that in the sense of a trainer being stable. I have a Ritewing and the thing is very stable in the sense that it will hold whatever attitude you put it in. That doesn't mean it is easy to fly.
So, if you have an appropriate budget and skill, there is no reason you could not use this airframe. Many people here lack one or both. I myself tend to crash my UAV from time to time as the fun part of UAV's for me is developing new stuff, and some times new stuff doesn't work. So I wouldn't want this airframe for myself as it wouldn't be cost effective. And I don't like to crash things that look so nice ;)
Looks like it could be configured as a pusher instead of a turbine, but even so at over 14 pounds this $250 airframe will cost you $1000 to get flying. 8 quality servos, a high end receiver, nitro motor and associated gear, or a large EDF system with $200 batteries, retract system......
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I think it would be an OK platform for a UAV. A well tuned AP does not need hands free stable.
BUT, it is not a cheap platform. An easystar will cost you double the base kit cost to get flying. This will cost you 4 times $250, unless you want a turbine. Then it will cost you 8 times.
And you will need some skill to take off and land it. Allan, I suspect the people at your field who say it is stable do not mean that in the sense of a trainer being stable. I have a Ritewing and the thing is very stable in the sense that it will hold whatever attitude you put it in. That doesn't mean it is easy to fly.
So, if you have an appropriate budget and skill, there is no reason you could not use this airframe. Many people here lack one or both. I myself tend to crash my UAV from time to time as the fun part of UAV's for me is developing new stuff, and some times new stuff doesn't work. So I wouldn't want this airframe for myself as it wouldn't be cost effective. And I don't like to crash things that look so nice ;)
Reminds me of my "cheap" nitro heli - LOL
This is a turbine powered speed demon..