Predator models for uav use? Chris or anyone

[jginsandiego]

Chris I tried to PM you but not sure if i am doing it correctly I have read some of your post and noticed you said you have had 2 of the peredator model and have a few questions.

the camo one that the wings dont come off how did that fly in comparison to the silver one?

Also do you think it would take alot to make it so the wings do come off?

How did they both do with auto pilot flying?

I see the camo one on hobby city for $67 i could live with the wing issue fo the cost but dont want a crappy UAV when i get started building
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5455&Product_Name=TM_Predator_UAV_74in_Spy_Plane_ARF

THANK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE JOHN

[zlite]

John,

The only Predator that we recommend is this one (http://www.nitroplanes.com/4eluavrqprra.html). The others, especially the foam ones, are junk. The silver one isn't available anymore as far as I can tell.

Fair warning, however, even the Nitro Models Predator is not a great UAV platform. Not enough interior room and a really fiddly mod to give it basic stuff like a steerable nosewheel. We mostly just use it for showing off at airshows and Maker Faire ;-)

BTW, it's really easy to mod the camo predator so the wings come off. Just install a hook on the inside of each wing and link them through the body with a stiff rubber band to keep the wings on in flight.

[Psionic001]

Don't do it!!!

I had the HC 74" Predator with Ardupilot. The wing folded during the slightest upwards pitch then she spiraled to the ground.

The spar is a 4mm x 3mm stick of aluminium.

The pro is that they are very stable whilst the spar is intact!!

For autopilots, try and easy fly or easyGlider style plane.


Chris I tried to PM you but not sure if i am doing it correctly I have read some of your post and noticed you said you have had 2 of the peredator model and have a few questions.

the camo one that the wings dont come off how did that fly in comparison to the silver one?

Also do you think it would take alot to make it so the wings do come off?

How did they both do with auto pilot flying?

I see the camo one on hobby city for $67 i could live with the wing issue fo the cost but dont want a crappy UAV when i get started building
http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5455&Product_Name=TM_Predator_UAV_74in_Spy_Plane_ARF

THANK FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN GIVE JOHN

[zlite]

Don't do it!!!

I had the HC 74" Predator with Ardupilot. The wing folded during the slightest upwards pitch then she spiraled to the ground.

The spar is a 4mm x 3mm stick of aluminium.


I'm not sure which Predator you're referring to, but the Nitro Models one has a carbon fiber spar.

[Psionic001]

I'm referring to the 74" Hobby City Predator.

I'm not sure which Predator you're referring to, but the Nitro Models one has a carbon fiber spar.

[zlite]

I'm referring to the 74" Hobby City Predator.

Got it. It actually looks like the same basic plane as the Nitro Models one, but obviously with inferior hardware!