I am an ex-USAF Avionics Sensors guy, and I have always wanted a gyro stabilized laser targeting system. Now that I am all grown up, I'll settle for a gyro stabilized camera.

A little looking, and I found some nice UAV equipment.It's a little out of my price range at $10,000 for the day system and $20,000 for the FLIR system. http://store.micropilot.com/category-s/21.htm

Now I know this is mechanically and electrically easy, but for me this could become time-consuming. Can we make a cost-effective system for our UAVs?

Some examples:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewK7NkcCFCk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m5fluZ7mUoY

What do you guys think?

1 horsepower = 7 pounds

I've come across this magic number using different sized rotors, props, and engines in large RC helicopters and planes, and also researching horsepower to lift divided by time in several ultralight and light sport aircraft and rotorcraft, and this is a good rule of thumb when developing something that needs to do more than hover or drift in the wind.

Guidelines for precise calculation of lift or thrust

http://www.heli-chair.com/aerodynamics_101.html

Comparison information using UAV specialist developer information

http://www.barnardmicrosystems.com/L3_engines.htm

Be sure to click on the different links for engine type (4 stroke, wankel, turbine, etc.) In fact, Barnard Microsystems is an excellent reference for those looking to DIY a larger drone, and is highly informative reading material in all aspects of UAVs.

Have you asked yourself "It would be great if I could get this part, but smaller" or "i could use this but it needs extra flanges or tubes or whatever" then you're in luck

http://www.emachineshop.com/

check it out - you get instant part price quoting from the ***FREE*** CAD software program

A little patience goes a long way!

Variable Pitch Quad Rotor - M/UAV

DIY project ranging from a 600cc 120HP etec Ski-Doo engine, UltraSport 254 tail rotors, extruded aluminum blades from Vortech, aluminum / steel tube structural components, and a carbon fiber reinforced polymer monocoque frame.