Discussions

Hi everyone, 

Im moving to California this April to begin a startup in the UAS business with a friend. The end-goal will involve flying multiple fixed-wing UAS craft (In the beginning mostly outside the US). First we need to build a prototype.

We have a garage with lots of space for messing around, but little experience in building UAS systems, so we want to learn.

I've already learned how to fly RC quadcopters quite well, am now practicing RC planes which is going quite well. The next step is to build the fixed-wing prototype we need to prove our business.

Basically, we are trying to find the right airframe for our purpose. The payload will consist of minimum 2 cameras (Maybe 3, front-down facing, front-side facing, straight down facing), all high-resolution as well as a few (2-3) other low-weight hardware items and cabling about the size of the PixHawk. The UAS will be flying at 400-500 ft and the aim for airtime is minimum 45 minutes. Not sure about the speed but it will need to be minimum 50-60 mph. We are thinking about using a PixHawk autopilot.

I understand and appreciate the complexity/scale here, but would like to hear if anyone has any tips as to where to begin.

I was thinking about buying a large ARF airframe and then customizing it.

Does anyone have any tips as to what frame(s) I should consider - and could tell me a bit what the customization process would involve? Any tips welcome.

Again, I'd like to emphasize that I understand that this is not easy - we are not looking for easy. This is to find the end-goal platform. Figuring out how to get there is the next step :)

Thanks!!

Andy