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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

  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) May 8, 2010 at 1:04pm
    @Morli Let me send you the Cover nose! Please tell me if you are interested?

    Best regards
    Hooks.
  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 10:24am
    final two

  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 10:23am
    two more

  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 10:22am
    two more

  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 10:20am
    Michael , check the skywalker ( I start sounding like Hook's Agent now :) ) , I am breaking my head now to figure out what to put where in the airframe. With all I had in mind ( complete AP, FPV, telemetry stuff and batteries , I still have space left.. I am now worried about the wing loading :O), it is not going to be pretty soft landing, may be putting Hook's FG nose cover might save the bottoms.

    @ Hooks , here are some of the photos ( I have been trying to upload for past 3 hours but firefox is crapping out).So two photos per post only.

  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 9:48am
    Rana, it was sent by EMS and reached on 4th day , took another 2 days to clear it . The price is same as offered in website. I also got the first motor and ESc combo too , so the feed back. All looks good.so far.
  • Michael Evans May 7, 2010 at 9:07am
    My FPV project has been sitting for 2 months! Lots of payload and long flights, im ordering now.
  • Rana May 7, 2010 at 6:46am
    Morli, how much you paid including shipping and which shipping ?
  • Admin
    Morli May 7, 2010 at 3:44am
    gr8, thanks. I will try to get the photos and post today.
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) May 6, 2010 at 9:56pm
    Yes Morli.
    I'm working on a modification on the motor before shipping so it's 100% ready to install.
This reply was deleted.