Airframe: Nitro Models Predator ($80, modded with an AXI 2208/34 brushless motor, $70)- [UPDATE] I crashed that version, in part because the V-tail just isn't enough control by itself and in part because the AXI wasn't enough power. I've now moved back to another Predator model ($67) which has ailerons, and given it a more powerful Hacker A30-28s motor. My post on how to build and enhance it is here. If you do decide to stick with the original Predator without ailerons, you'll probably want to cut off a few inches of the tail, put in a proper motor bulkhead and give it a more beefy outrunner like the Hacker. You might want to extend the area of the V-tail control surfaces, too. It really is hard to control as it is.
- Autopilot: AttoPilot, the most powerful under-$1,000 autopilot.
- Imaging: Pentax Optio A30, which is the smallest high-res camera I've found that allows for IR shutter trigger, plus a Prism R/C-controlled IR trigger. (both are around $200). This is also good candidate for the DIY stabilized camera mount described here, which doesn't require the Prism trigger, although note that you'll need to build the version with the Futaba "Pilot Assist" sensor, since this UAV doesn't use IR stabilization.
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i am intrested in making a model of the predator or maybe a flying wing to accomodate a autopilot and a black widow camera (kpc 650) . the autopilot i am going to use is the unav ap04. Can u help me with the project . my mail id is jtendra.gurjar@gmail.com
I am also on yahoomessenger and skype . my yahoomessenger id is jitendra.gurjar@yahoo.co.in and my skype name is jitendra.gurjar
Did you ever get a RTF weight of this airframe?
PS: Nitro have the Predator back in stock. I just recieved mine.
You can see it flying at the end of this video:
"Tiny high torque motors for 7 to 18 oz. airplanes and electric helicopters up to 18 oz."
The airframe has a base weight of 24.7 oz without all the addons. Does this motor have enough power to get this thing going?
Also, I'd love to see a test video of this thing flying. Nice job Chris.