What Would You Pay For An Airframe?

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Wayne Dancer November 10, 2009 at 5:25am

The 8 ft should carry about 15 lbs, but we have to do some flight testing to see what it really reacts like in the air fully loaded. There is no dihedral on the wings, gives it a bit more endurance, but I want a wingless version available in case you want to make your own. My goal is to sell it for 5k or less. But, the bean counters have to have their say first.
Wayne Dancer November 9, 2009 at 2:40pm

This is our 500 pounder taking off from an unimproved dirt patch. Notice the big balloon tires like on a Piper Cub.

And here is the one I am talking about. Ignore the large vertical antenna, that was for a test with a client.
Wayne Dancer November 9, 2009 at 2:19pm

8, 12, and 21 foot are current wingspan configurations. The 21 footer we are planning on a 100 lb payload.
Matt Fisher November 9, 2009 at 1:05pm

I would love to see some images of these larger UAV's. I am also willing to go for a flight in your 500lb payload aircraft. :P
Wayne Dancer November 9, 2009 at 12:44pm

There is an even larger one in the works, but there will possibly be a smaller one in the near future. Currently, I am only looking at gas power, but electric may be a possibility.

Aluminum is really not that hard to work with. There will be no complex curves to shape, just a lot of riveting. Aluminum is a higher price than balsa and foam, but more durable in heavy use situations and also helps block stray EM emissions that can play havoc with electronics. I am currently talking to University of North Dakota about them buying one. They will be using it for their aerospace engineering program for airfoil design. A wing swap on this thing takes about a minute, so they are very interested.

As for general hobbyists, personally, I would stick to something like the Senior Telemaster just to stay on the good side of the FAA. If you want to jump through the hoops for flying commercial UAVs, I am betting that mine would be cheaper and more easily maintained. I have a really large one that carries a 500lb payload available, but I'm guessing most of you couldn't afford that one :(
Matt Fisher November 9, 2009 at 12:24pm

I know as a hobbyist I would not be legally allowed to fly this. Regardless I am interested. Are you planning on only using gas engines with large frames. I would be more interested in a midsized electric frames, but that's just me.
T3

Andrus Kangro November 9, 2009 at 12:19pm

Hi, if you compare yor offering with that, then what are advantages?
I would be a bit affraid of aluminium on DIY context, foam/balsa sounds a lot safer.
Wayne Dancer November 9, 2009 at 11:44am

Mostly universities, but I thought the DIY plans and kits would be more affordable for those without bigger budgets.
Patrick Egan November 9, 2009 at 11:27am

Hold on sparky! Who's your target audience?

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What Would You Pay For An Airframe?

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