Announcing the newest version of the Raptor 140! Its main objective is to fly over 120km(75mi) at 115kph(71mph) and send signals (including video!) over 3km(1.9mi). It should be ready to fly early February 2014. Anything you see in my design that I should reconsider?

Estimated Raptor 140c Stats:
Weight: 2100g (4.6lbs)
Max Flight Time: 100min (1hr, 40min)
Max Range: 120km (75mi)
Stall Speed: 35kph (22mph)
Cruise Speed: 115kph (71mph)
Max Speed: 145kph (90mph)
Radio Range: 3.5km (2.2mi)
Energy Carried: 289wh (20,100mAh at 14.4v)
Drive Power: 850w
Meters per Watt/Hour: 450

Features of the 140c (improvements over 140b in parentheses):

Airframe:
-MyGeekShow's Raptor 140: 140cm Wing Span
-CG at 26cm from nose (very, very balanced, almost zero reflex)
-EPP foam construction
-5mil Laminate covering
-Aluminum Motor Mount
-Additional laminate to strengthen leading edge (allow for rougher landings)
-6.4m (21ft) of carbon fiber (had 4.5m) (add additional rigidity)
-5cm x 48.5 elevons for low drag control surfaces
-Laminate elevon hinges (more strength and durability than packing tape)
-14cm winglets for visibility and lift improvement
-Integrated steel launch hook, closer to CG (better bungee launches)
-Parachute ring (allow parachute recover system)
-Velcro battery retainers
-PET plastic battery covers
-Plastic flight controller cover
-Precipitation 100% sealed (can fly in rain)

Flight Systems:
-433mhz EZUHF radio system (500%+ radio range improvement)
-32g servo (additional pull strength and durability)
-1250kv motor, was 1450kv (slower rotation as it is switching to 14.4v from 11.1v)
-24 3.6v Li-Ion 3.3Ah cells in 4S6P, aka 289watt/hours (20.3Ah at 14.4v) Raptor 140B carried 111watt/hours
-10x6 carbon fiber folding prop (140B had a 10x7 due to higher kv motor)
-4.7cm aluminum prop hub
-Wiring lanes in airframe (improved wire management)
-4 Ferrite Filters (cleaner transmissions and reduced interference)

Avionics:
-1080 HD Mobius camera (was 720 808 #16)
-FPV tx 1.3Ghz 400mw
-APM2.6 flight controller
-3DR Current Sensor
-3DR uBlox GPS with compass
-1w 900mhz 900RDF telemetry (had 0.1w telem)
-FAA style lighting (improved visibility)
-3A BEC (provides power to telemetry, camera, etc)

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Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor140.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/

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Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA

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Comments

  • Check this out: http://diydrones.com/forum/topics/world-record-for-duration-of-flight

    He used the same batteries...

  • Thanks, I was thinking upgrading my quad battery but I would need to stick to lipos for now.  Awesome for a lane though.

  • No! Not ignorant, its a good question...

    According to panasonic's data sheet, they can support 2c+ discharge, which for this pack would be 40amps (20Ah*2C=40A). 

    The 140b at cruise draws 13A, but that is at 11.1v, so its pulling 144watts, which at 14.4v would be 10A, or 0.5C for this 4S6P pack. A hard climb for the 140b would draw 25A, or 278watts, which would be 1C for this LiIon pack.

    In other words, because I'm increasing it to 14.4v I'll need less amps to maintain the same watts, and as I'm carrying 20Ah, I'm reducing the draw on each cell...

    That's my logic at least :)

  • Sorry my ignorance.  Wouldn't they have too small discharge rate? - Recommend discharge current 1C 2.9A

  • Manuel: Panasonic's NCR18650B:

    http://industrial.panasonic.com/www-data/pdf2/ACI4000/ACI4000CE54.pdf

  • What batteries are you planning on carrying?  

  • Will do! It'll take a month or so to build... I've got to keep the 140B doing it's testing and keeping the store alive :) I'm looking forward to a badge!

  • Moderator

    Bring it on Trent! You will get a badge then ;-)

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