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

[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

Zach Bayne March 3, 2011 at 5:04am

This has been discussed to death, try to search a little next time :). READ THE LAST 14 PAGES. some other helpful links:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1223595

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1381499&page=3

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/member.php?u=313616

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1309106

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=15331784&postcoun...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1290637

This is going to be a hard hobby if you don't learn google-fu
Fikri Noerhadi March 3, 2011 at 3:26am

Hi all,

I just want to start my journey in the UAV world. I've decided to use skywalker as my first plane. Since I just learned to fly, i need advice about the all part that best to fit for skywalker. All advice on battery, motors, TX/RX etc...

Thanks

Fikri
evilmacaw May 23, 2010 at 11:13am

Adam Andrews,
look at the picture of the wing you can see the wire channel and servo pocket , i have one and it is molded for a cut clearance at each end of flap and it is already hinged by the molding process for cut to activate use . just like all the other control surfaces on the kit . it is a very nicely engineered plane and kit in how it is setup with some small touches like the payload doors molded in light profile ready to be cut out and very simple assembly all with no assembly manual ;-)) but very easy
AKRCGUY May 23, 2010 at 9:52am

From what I can seen in the picture of the prototype, the pic with the guy holding up in the air, he's not using ailerons? Is this an option? I know n Multiplex models the ailerons are built in but you have to cut the ends to allow for movement.

Any thoughts anyone?
Developer

Mark Colwell May 22, 2010 at 7:23am

I just ordered one, to add to fleet..
iw28 May 21, 2010 at 3:07am

Weel its hard to say which of them is standing for the altitude. but I think so :-) Morli
Moderator

Robert Krogh (hooks) May 21, 2010 at 2:52am

10 SKW Platforms will be sold for special price 100 USD + shipping.
Very short period.
Admin

Morli May 20, 2010 at 10:15pm

Bottom right , second item IW28
iw28 May 20, 2010 at 11:50am

Hi
Where is the altitude on the onscreen display?
Moderator

Robert Krogh (hooks) May 20, 2010 at 11:42am

About the Belly pans! I think 14-21 days.
Factory will make it in PVC. It's too early for me to show anything about the standard belly/cover nose.
Hooks.

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