Although I'm still gathering information in the field of UAVs by programming the UAV Playground, I have now designed and built this Flying Wing as a future carrier for whatever electronics I'll be using. I've tried to design it as versatile as possible by using a platform where all the electronics is velcroed on (last picture). Like that it should be possible to carry around even bulky pieces of hardware.Specification- Kline-Fogleman KFm3 Airfoil (top steps at 50% and 75% chord)- Wingspan 1240mm- Wing area 24.8dm²- Weight 430g (330g without battery)Electronics- TURNIGY 28-26B 1350Kv motor- Master Airscrew 7x4 propeller- TURNIGY Plush 25A ESC- Rhino LiPo 3S1P 30C 1050 mAh- 2 x HXT900 1.6kg/cm servo
This is the camera mount and its removable nose cone.
The back view of the Flying Wing with the motor and the KFm3 Airfoil steps visible.
Here the canopy is removed and the electronics and an Arduino are visible.Free Design Tools [update]- ProgeCAD 2008 Smart (AutoCAD clone)- Google SketchUp (3D modeling)- WinLaengs4 (CG calculation)- Estimate Electric Motor and Prop ComboFirst Flights [update]The maiden flight was absolutely unproblematic. Only a few minor trim adjustments where necessary and I increased the travel adjust for elevator and aileron to 115%. I also mixed some elevator to the throttle so that the plane now stays level on throttle up. Elevon reflex is set to 3 degrees.The reactions to the stick movements where quiet precise and it always amazes me how stable my Wings fly. Flying a curve with elevons only was a pleasure and you wouldn't have noticed the absence of the rudder in non acrobatic flying.The KFm3 Airfoil is recommended for slow flying planes and although the maximum speed is rather low the flyable speed bandwidth is more than sufficient for a UAV ship.I tested different weight configurations from 450 to 590g and there is definitely more payload potential because even at full load with a 2200mAh lipo and the camera mounted vertical climbing was still possible.Flight time was about 25 minutes with a 2200mAh lipo (1680mAh recharged).
Aerial Video Central SwitzerlandA manual non stabilized flight in gusty winds. I used a Toshiba Camileo S10 1080p HD video camera weighing 119 grams and costing about 165$.For better quality and less jerking you can download the video from Vimeo (you need an account).A flight in the Swiss mountains [update]Filmed with the Toshiba Camileo S10 in WVGA mode (848x480, 60fps, no stabilization).
I'm going to lodge an official complaint with the authorities about that video, its not right whilst I'm sat here in pouring rain and low skies seeing pretty mountains and no doubt equally pretty small bars in mountain villages. Just not right. Bah humbug. Not cricket old fruit.
Well done, very very smooth platform, did you smooth the video at all??
Dale, yes it can be really nice here but the flying season is rather short. When the guys from the southern countries show up their videos in springtime complaining how hot it is, we occasionally still have freezing temperatures here.
I have no comparison to other planes because I've never flown one that wasn't designed by myself. In addition to that I'm a heli guy who thinks that everything that doesn't tend to crash within the first two seconds of flight flies really stable.
Gary, yes the wind conditions are good here for UAV activities and with higher temperatures, more sunshine and less rain the climate would be perfect. You just can't have it all.
Marty, maybe I'll do a build thread some day but there are so many other things I'm currently busy with.
Mark, with a wingspan of 3 meters you'd probably had to split the wing. I was thinking about that when I designed the plane but discarded it because of the additional weight and complexity. If I ever find a good solution/design for a simple joint I'll implement it.
Reto, still a long way to go! The next step will be stabilization of either the camera or the airframe.
Zik, Switzerland is a very small country you can't miss me.
Nice work Jaron. Looks like a great wing. I'm planning to fly a UAV flying wing in Central Switzerland when I move there in a few weeks so maybe I'll bump into you :)
Hi Jaron. A nice added footage. Your airframe seems very stable for its size. It's just waiting for your autopilot, now! Good continuation with your project.
Comments
Well done, very very smooth platform, did you smooth the video at all??
I have no comparison to other planes because I've never flown one that wasn't designed by myself. In addition to that I'm a heli guy who thinks that everything that doesn't tend to crash within the first two seconds of flight flies really stable.
Marty, maybe I'll do a build thread some day but there are so many other things I'm currently busy with.
Mark, with a wingspan of 3 meters you'd probably had to split the wing. I was thinking about that when I designed the plane but discarded it because of the additional weight and complexity. If I ever find a good solution/design for a simple joint I'll implement it.
Reto, still a long way to go! The next step will be stabilization of either the camera or the airframe.
Zik, Switzerland is a very small country you can't miss me.
I would love to make that plane. How is it to fly, stable?
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