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3D Robotics

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

  • 3D Robotics
    Chris Anderson May 8, 2010 at 2:27pm
    Morli, how did you get the split washer off? I'm really struggling with this and I don't want to break the motor.

    I'm glad Hooks is working with the motor supplier to ship the right motor, because this mod is too hard for most people!
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) May 8, 2010 at 2:15pm
    Morli I'll ship a "Cover Nose" ASAP.
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) May 8, 2010 at 1:41pm
    @Morli I can make you one in Kevlar-carbon or glass fibre composite.
  • 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.
  • 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 ?
  • 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.
  • iw28 May 6, 2010 at 3:14am
    the question is also on how it will handle a strong wind, because I just lost a FPV easystar cause to strong wind which result that the easystars wings just where blow of until it crashes.
  • Moderator
    Robert Krogh (hooks) May 6, 2010 at 2:10am
    Hi Morli

    I was a little busy!
    Your review are now posted on FPVflying.com

    I am talking to the supplier about the motor pack. I will give info ASAP I have it.

    Are you able to post pics on this matter.

    Hooks,
  • Developer
    Mark Colwell May 3, 2010 at 5:24am
    @Morli, Sorry you have to jump thru so many hoops just to get a toy from China.. now have some fun..
This reply was deleted.