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Airframe #1 - A starting point

I have spent some time looking at military and non-military “drones” and have determined a direction to move in for the airframe.

Currently, I am envisioning a twin tail boom airframe, a high mounted wing and a decent size fuselage.

As a starting point, I found the TiwnaxV2 http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=555476 of course I modified the design.

• I made the fuselage a bit “boxier” and left the nose and aft open for electronics cooling.
• I also laid out the fuselage so I could “score and fold” as part of the construction.
• I enlarged the control surfaces by 50%.

It took less than 2 hours from the time I printed the plans to a ready to fly airframe. Nothing like Depron and hot glue for rapid building.

Flight weight with no payload is 15oz, with payload 23oz. I did not calculate wing load, powered by a Grayson Microjet, 20a speed control and a 6x4 pusher – more than enough power for the aircraft. The airframe was setup with Throttle, Elevator and Aileron control without advanced electronics.

During the build I had concerns about wing strength, but ignored them as I have ideas for Airframe #2 to correct this issue.

 Airframe #1 Mocked up for final assembly.

My goals for airframe #1

• Potential structural issues
• Ease of assembly
• Weight and payload papacity
• Payload bay volume
• Will it fly

Once again Airframe #1 is the starting point and is no where near the end point.

As of this post Airframe #1 has been flown and retired. Results and observations in next Blog Post.

Once again, comments are welcome.