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Skywalker: Best UAV platform ever? (I'm in love)

Posted by Chris Anderson on April 28, 2010 at 8:00pm

[UPDATE: Hooks has, er, hooked us up with a 10% discount at FPVFlying.com, for this and anything else they sell. Just use the discount code "diydrones". Awesome! Thanks Hooks!]

Thanks to Hooks for turning us on to the new Skywalker foam UAV platform. Mine just arrived and based on a quick inspection, I'm pretty sure this is the one for me! Everything about is totally optimized for a UAV, from the payload capacity to transportability. I'm blown away by how thoughtfully designed this one is.

It's got it all:
  • The durability of foam with all the interior room of balsa
  • Payload area right under the CG, so you don't have to worry about balance issues
  • Hand launchable, but still can carry pounds of payload
  • Breaks down easily for transport
  • Ailerons and optional flaps
  • Pusher, high-wing configuration, with servos outside to save room inside
  • Super tough EPO material
  • Easy to get to equipment with big bay doors on both sides
  • External mounting spots on rear fuselage for wireless transmitters (keeps them away from other electronics)
At $144, I think it's very fairly priced. I think this is one of the best made foam ARFs that I've seen, right up there with the Multiplex line. Don't forget to order the power pack at the same time.

Here's a shot of a prototype being flown by the creators:



Rather than give it a full review (I haven't flow it yet), I'll just give first impressions in pictures.










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Comments

  • Developer
    Mark Colwell April 30, 2010 at 11:57am
    I would add carbon spar in rudder, a 3 mm solid post from spar to elevator,
    drill hole in carbon horizontal tail boom & glue 3 mm rod in to hole with epoxy... make a small grove for rod and glue together fuse as normal. 2-cents or non-sense?
  • Stephen McAmis April 30, 2010 at 11:56am
    The T-tail configuration must have some pretty solid handling characteristics ...
    http://recuv.colorado.edu/tempest/
    you can see it in other places too.
  • Developer
    Mark Colwell April 30, 2010 at 11:46am
    I would like to see any rough landings or crashes when video is available...
    This UAV should bounce well !
  • Developer
    Jordi Muñoz April 29, 2010 at 1:24pm
    Hooks,

    Many thanks for that info, i will probably wait a week and then order it to my new address., please save me one. ;-)
  • Admin
    Morli April 29, 2010 at 1:16pm
    Jordi , I think Chris ordered it on 12th or 18th and it got delivered yesterday. Mine got delayed a little as I requested the Motor/Esc/Prop pack( can't buy these alone from HK) along with the above but Robert/Hooks was kind enough to assist & follow it up .Got shipped on 25th, It left Beijing on 26th, hope I get it this week since I am traveling too , here is my order EMS track 　
    Timing Site Status
    　 2010-04-25 10:00:00 TANGSHAN Posting
    　 2010-04-25 14:27:43 TANGSHAN Arrival at Sorting Center
    　 2010-04-25 14:56:32 TANGSHAN Despatch from Sorting Center
    　 2010-04-26 15:16:31 BEIJING Arrival at Sorting Center
    　 2010-04-26 18:30:21 BEIJING Despatch from Sorting Center < can't find any status update after this. I wouldn't be surprised if it is already here.
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) April 29, 2010 at 11:50am
    Hey Jordi,

    It will take about 7-14 days to US ground. Last shipment for US was (10 days)

    Maybe to be sure! you have to wait or have it shipped to a friend?
  • Developer
    Jordi Muñoz April 29, 2010 at 11:18am
    Hey Hooks,

    Thanks for that info, that what i was actually trying to figure out!

    DO you know how many time it takes to be delivered in the US? The problem is that I'm moving and i don't if the aircraft is going to be delivered before May 14.
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) April 29, 2010 at 11:14am
    Remember to think about this Brusless motor + ESC + Prop if you order the Skywalker.
    It's a powerfull setup:


    We can ship in same box as the plane, so you will save the shipping cost.
    Brusless motor ESC and prop for skywalker
    Domain Default page
  • Developer
    Jordi Muñoz April 29, 2010 at 10:53am
    You can get married with it in Vegas
  • evilmacaw April 29, 2010 at 10:29am
    dang it i missed the small print about the 10% off OH Well , Hooks did some good work making these available to us so i dont begrudge it one bit .

    getting old sucks :-P
This reply was deleted.