I ended up coming across a nice little business proposition. I want to build a drone using the Multiplex Easy Star platform.Here is the catch. It will be getting used on an airsoft field and may be integrated in a way that the crafty may see some fire from the players. What could be used to toughen up the plane so that damage it may see can be minimal? Could I use some kind of epoxy to toughen it up?
Thanks for all the help.
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Well here is the update I said I would submit. I shot the test plane which had 1-2 layers of packaging tape on it. I shot it from across the yard. Now the plane would be higher then the distance I was shooting so I do have that going for me. The tape held up perfectly and believe me I gave that thing hell. I was very impressed with how well it held up. There wasn't a single hole anywhere in the tape so I do feel this would be a viable solution and wouldn't look tacky if applied with some care. Thank you much for that suggestion. I am still kind of interested in applying a thin layer of epoxy by using a putty knife or similar tool to still have protection and keep the weight down. Not sure how it will hold up or when I will do it but the interest to test it is still there. So as for now that is the update on how the tape worked out. Thanks again.
@Gary Mortimer- Well yes they are paying to play. I also play on the same field and pay the same fee, but I would designate myself as the UAV operator and im sure I could score a deal since I know the owner and if I did this for him.
@Jasonhort- What exactly is strapping tape? Do you by chance have a picture of one of your planes with the the sheet of polypropylene?
@Nicholas Budd- UAV for profit, illegal? Who'd a thunk? Well I guess I will have to check with the FAA and see what guidelines they have on such a thing. Thank you for pointing that out.
You might want to check your local regulations carefully before using your UAV for any business ventures; in the UK and USA it's illegal to use your UAV for profitable activities unless you have a valid permit. You'd have to contact the CAA (in the UK) or FAA (in the US) to ask how you'd go about getting such a permit.
On the subject of protection, your best bet is probably some kind of thin plastic sheet. Try cutting up a few large drinks bottles and see how they stand up to airsoft pellets. Of course, it depends on what kind of ranges it's likely to be shot from, and how often.
Strapping tape does wonders. you can also cover holes with the tape as well. On my easystar I usually remove the base of the plane and replace it with a thin sheet of polypropylene. That way I can get my battery to slide back farther and lower, giving me more payload space.
Replies
@Jasonhort- What exactly is strapping tape? Do you by chance have a picture of one of your planes with the the sheet of polypropylene?
@Nicholas Budd- UAV for profit, illegal? Who'd a thunk? Well I guess I will have to check with the FAA and see what guidelines they have on such a thing. Thank you for pointing that out.
On the subject of protection, your best bet is probably some kind of thin plastic sheet. Try cutting up a few large drinks bottles and see how they stand up to airsoft pellets. Of course, it depends on what kind of ranges it's likely to be shot from, and how often.
Tree's are also evil, BTW.
Adding epoxy would make things stronger, but weight is the enemy of UAS.