Dragonfly Mini UAV Predator

[bbstriker]

Hi

I'm just about to purchase Dragonflys mini UAV Predator. Has anyone had experience or know of this UAV and how good it is for contrability, endurance and payload possibilities?

Thanks
Tony

[Xnaron]

Do you have a link? I can't find it on their website...

Brendin

[CrashingDutchman]

Here is a link, but it seems that this plane is not available at the moment: http://www.rctoys.com/predator.php

[cadmanpilot]

Tony,

The Littlebirdz Predator B kit is available again in limited quantities. If you're not limited to an ARF you may want to give it a look. Here's the link to the site and the RC Groups threads.

Paul

www.littlebirdz.com/

www.littlebirdz.com/products.php?cat=34

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?postid=1545631#post1545631
(thread no.1)

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=215759
(thread no.2)

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333069
(thread no.3)

www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=333069
(build thread)

[1stCAVgrunt]

I bought the draganfly predator and it didn't fly, it was too heavy, under powered and tracked to the left on every launch ending up nose or wingtip first into the ground, and for what I payed for it, I could have built three of them that would have out flown anything they have to sell

[Xnaron]

I bought the draganfly predator and it didn't fly, it was too heavy, under powered and tracked to the left on every launch ending up nose or wingtip first into the ground, and for what I payed for it, I could have built three of them that would have out flown anything they have to sell

Thats probably why they don't sell them anymore...

Brendin

[1stCAVgrunt]

Hey guys, here is my dragonfly pred that I am Rebuilding, I am installing ailerons, and a nice powerfull Himaxx direct drive for a better power to weight ratio, I figure since I have the airframe, no sense in letting it sit and rot.

[bbstriker]

Thats probably why they don't sell them anymore...

Brendin

Since my first enquiry I have done quite a bit of research. The reason Draganfly ceased the Predator is that they want to cram in far more electronics than they originally anticipated. They are now focussing their 'in-house' UAV R&D on a Delta Wing platform.

As far as the flying qualities of the predator are concerned, Draganfly have a large number of customers who have successfully flown this great looking powered glider. I have seen it fly beautifullly as did the History channel and Popular Mechanics.

As with any hand built product, variations may occur from one production run to another. I have bought eight predators and found that half I need to reduce the aluinium wing spar by half a centimeter- no big deal really!

I also found that with a 4200mah battery placed in the nose section along with a lighter autopilot unit along side can cause the aircraft to track to one side- the battery is far heavier. I take care of this with trimming.

I am however soldiering on with a fully ground trackeable (using packet radio), GPS guided, autonomous camera platform. With the weight budget going approx 100grams over the 450gram payload budget I am upgrading to a brushless motor and creating a pod (place over the CG) that creates a little lift. The GPS receiver (Garmin Foretrex 101) weight is the real problem! If anyone knwos of a lighter programmable (i.e waypoints and routes) unit I'd be very grateful for the knowledge ;)

BR
Tony

[Crash Pilot]

I purchased a Predator 12 months ago and collected all the gear to make my own UAV but was waiting on feedback from other people who may have bought one of these planes but couldn't find anyone.
So I can't comment on how they fly because I never tried to fly mine.
I lost interest and shelved the project.
Looks like it might be time to sell my predator and electronics

[JettPilot]

The GPS receiver (Garmin Foretrex 101) weight is the real problem! If anyone knwos of a lighter programmable (i.e waypoints and routes) unit I'd be very grateful for the knowledge ;)

BR
Tony

I use the Garmin Gecko 201. It is great, small, 2 AAA batteries last 15 hours in it, it takes like 500 waypoints and 20 routes. Very easy to use, its GREAT !!!

[bbstriker]

I use the Garmin Gecko 201. It is great, small, 2 AAA batteries last 15 hours in it, it takes like 500 waypoints and 20 routes. Very easy to use, its GREAT !!!

Hi

Yes, I might have to for the Garmin 201. The Foretrex 101 I currently have is does the job except for the weight. I am however planning to use a TinyVolt a battery regulator which is much lighter than the two AAA batteries.

[kd7ost]

The Foretrex 101 is lighter than the Geko 201 by a small amount. The bigger issue might be if you're using the OEM connector and cable. Have you concidered hacking the GPS to by pass that factory connector? I have an example of such a hack for a geko 201 here. http://www.rcapa.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=503

Dan

[kd7ost]

Almost forgot, check this work by Bill Strong at BWAV. He took the geko out of its case and turned a Slow Stick into a UAV.http://yb2normal.com/UAV_SlowStick.html

Dan

[tedworld1]

Back to the Draganfly Predator... I bought the ARF one a few weeks ago on ebay(Draganfly was clearing them out). Came with motor, esc and servos installed, plus two spare servos. With micro receiver, servos, esc and tail mixer installed, and using a 8.4v 1100mah Nimh(Airsoft) weighing 5.2oz., the CG is well forward of the aluminum spar, even with the ventral fin attached, and the plane just seems very nose heavy.

With a 8.4v 600mah Nimh weighing 3.2oz, the CG is still forward of the spar and still nose heavy. The manual actually recommends the 600mah battery, while the ebay auction recommendation was for the 1100mah battery, and of course the Draganfly site recommends yet a completely different battery, a relatively expensive LiPo.

What gives? Does this thing really fly like that?

Rather than attempt to cram even more in the cockpit, I crafted a EPP block to encase a 1.2Ghz 100mw wireless cam and 9v battery, all weighing 3.2oz. This assembly fits nicely between the rails on the bottom of the fuselage, and could be attached anywhere along there to balance the CG out nicely.

Obviously, using a 1200mah LiPo weighing about 1.5oz would probably solve the problem...but I'm hesitant to sink another $100 bucks into this plane for new esc, battery and charger. All my other planes are Nimh.

First, can anybody tell me if this thing will really fly with the stock motor and prop and Nimh batteries? Any suggestions before I turn it into matchsticks?

[Crash Pilot]

tedword1

I shelved my project because I could find anyone that had flown one of these. I made up a hinged compartment in the back of the fuse for the battery to get the balance right and clear the front pod for the electronics.

I have been waiting for some feed back on these because I have trouble flying at the best of times and just can't see how this thing could posible lift of the ground.
Keep us posted if you get yours in the air.


Crash Pilot1

[bbstriker]

Well, I'm a bit worried now by the negative views on the Draganfly Predator. :(

By all accounts and some videos I have seen, it does fly beautifully. However I do not believe it can be hand launched with all the extra weight of the electronics (GPS AP, Wing Stabilisar, Camera, On-screen-display board and GPS tracker) plus a 4200mah battery.

I've fitted piano wire and 2inch foam wheels as a tricycle undercarriage as well as upgrading the motor to a brushless which is lighter and should give 50% more power. I'm estimating a 50-80 metre take-off distance with a reasonable headwind.

Perhaps, with thye collective experiance on this RCGROUP section I might get it off the ground! :confused:

Tony

[Crash Pilot]

bbstriker

Do you have any pictures of your plane. I am interested in what your undercarriage looks like. I always had plans to put one on mine because at least then you have an idea if it is going to take off the ground.

What motor and Prop did you change too ?

Crash Pilot

[bbstriker]

bbstriker

Do you have any pictures of your plane. I am interested in what your undercarriage looks like. I always had plans to put one on mine because at least then you have an idea if it is going to take off the ground.

What motor and Prop did you change too ?

Crash Pilot
Hi

Take a look at
http://www.littlebirdz.com/proddetail.php?prod=LBPRED&cat=34&PHPSESSID=d0f5023c3686fc3c883ee9ee22ceff98

I bought the undercarriage kit from them and bent the wires myself- no pic yet but will put one up soon.

I changed to a brushless outrunner Speed 400 with 8 x 6 prop. The prop is a lot larger than the one supplied with the Predator.

BTW, the Predator is meant to have a 'positive' balance- it's in the product description provided by Draganfly. See http://www.ioffer.com/i/PREDATOR-AERIAL-SPY-PLANE.-Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle.-UAV-2479029

BR
Tony

[bbstriker]

Crash Pilot

Can you please let me know precisely (with measurements) where you created the hinged compartment?

I might do the same thing myself.

Thanks
Tony

[Crash Pilot]

bbstriker


I will try to paste some pictures tonight.

Crash Pilot

[Crash Pilot]

bbstriker

Here are some picture. Not the best quality.

[bbstriker]

Hi Crashpilot

My camera is on the blink. I'll get pics of the undercarriage ASAP

Tony

[bbstriker]

Hi

Here are the pics of the undercarriage. The position of the rear two wheels may change after all the avionics kit is fitted.

Tony

[Crash Pilot]

bbstriker

Thanks for posting the pictures. Your undercarriage looks great.


Crash Pilot

[cadmanpilot]

Tony,

That's a good looking landing gear adaptation. An ROG takeoff is something to behold. Now you just need to add the flaps.

Paul

[bbstriker]

Tony,

That's a good looking landing gear adaptation. An ROG takeoff is something to behold. Now you just need to add the flaps.

Paul
Hi

I guess it's with some thanks to Littlebidz for supplying it and the bending pattern while I was in the US!

I'm putting together the avionics fit which will have a GPS Autopilot (AP4 or RCAP or another) with a BTA AS06 Flight stabilisation AP. I'll put up some avionics build pics soon.

BTW what wing loading and take off distance are you getting? Are flaps essential?

Thanks & BR
Tony

[cadmanpilot]

Tony,

The standard bird is a real floater, as designed. At 25 oz AUW the wing loading works out to about 8-9 oz/sq ft if I recall correctly. The flaps just give an added flight dynamic in better control of ascent/decent at controlled speeds. Our bird also has ailerons for better turning control. Our takeoff distance with the Himax brushless 2015-4100 is about 30-40 ft if your in a hurry.

Paul

[tedworld1]

I finally got the CG worked out OK with the smaller 600mah battery and no ventral fin by pushing all that extra motor lead back into the fuselage, and have decided to get the Littlebirdz landing gear set. I just really don't like hand launches on a maiden flight. Besides, it looks REALLY good!

[bbstriker]

Great. I'm looking to carry out some runway trials this weekend. Perhaps I'll take it to rotation speed-maybe! In any case it'll have Video feed and BTA Autopilot AS07 for flight stabililsation if I accidentally get it off the ground.

[cadmanpilot]

I'll be looking for some pictures from the "accidental flight", if it occurs.

Paul

[tedworld1]

bb- can you show an inside pic of how you mounted and drive the nosegear?

[tedworld1]

On the Predator airframe, the cockpit is the only place near the front that has a plywood floor. Going further back into the servo area or directly behind, it appears to be only balsa. Mounting the front gear assembly there would seem to be rather risky without considerable beefing up of the floor. This would require cutting out the top directly behind the cockpit, thus destroying the integrity, and requiring, again, considerable beefing up. This is all fine, but since I plan on using a removable camera/transmitter/battery pod slung underneath, I will probably just go ahead and mount the front gear assembly at the rear edge of the cockpit plywood floor, and use that space between the steering arm and servos to mount the esc/vtail mixer units in the floorboard, leaving some open area for some creative steering linkages. I've been toying with the idea of using the existing two servos to steer the nosewheel using the same arrangement as the Clancy Ascender steering. The short servo throw should make this easy enough. This, of course, puts a little bit of additional load on the servos, but should be ok. I want to use that empty space in front of the motor, but that will come later.

I tried to unbolt and remove that cutout cover over the motor, but it appears glued in. Anybody?

[cadmanpilot]

bbstriker,

Did you get a chance to fly her over the weekend?

Paul

[tedworld1]

1stcav -

I found something that might well have contributed to that left banking problem you mentioned. Upon laying the wings on a flat surface, there was a substantial bit of washout evident on, you guessed it, the left wing. I put some weights on it and applied the heat gun liberally till the Oracover was flapping like old panties, then let it cool, turned it over, re-weighted, re-applied heat gun, allowed to cool, and it straightened right out. Oracover is drum tight and just needed a once over with the iron on the leading and trailing edges to get rid of a couple of bubbles.

It seems to me the way they had the model packaged, with all that heavy cardboard stuff wrapped and stacked, that in storage it might have caused some warpage.

Bought some EPS props, 4.75 x 4.75, 4.25 and 4.1 plus an aluminum prop adaptor to experiment with. The 4.75 seems to produce a bit more of a focused, slightly more powerful thrust than the supplied Gunther Spoon, but makes the motor work noticeably harder. Looking forward to giving it a toss this weekend, as I have decided to try it out barefoot before putting on that new littlebirdz gear set. Not a big handlaunch fan here, but what the heck.

[CrashingDutchman]

Anyone of you know about the RTF Art-Tech Predator: =http://www.art-tech.cn/english/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=130.

I don't know if the model without electronics is available. The plane is availalbe from AWL Hobbies (http://www.awlhobbies.com/page3.html) in the USA, for us$ 129.95

CD

[bbstriker]

bbstriker,

Did you get a chance to fly her over the weekend?

Paul
Hi

Alas No!- had to install a large plasma screen in my living room instead! I dont't think it was as much fun as the UAV might have been though :(


First flight is now scheduled for 18th March.

[bbstriker]

1stcav -

I found something that might well have contributed to that left banking problem you mentioned. Upon laying the wings on a flat surface, there was a substantial bit of washout evident on, you guessed it, the left wing. I put some weights on it and applied the heat gun liberally till the Oracover was flapping like old panties, then let it cool, turned it over, re-weighted, re-applied heat gun, allowed to cool, and it straightened right out. Oracover is drum tight and just needed a once over with the iron on the leading and trailing edges to get rid of a couple of bubbles.

It seems to me the way they had the model packaged, with all that heavy cardboard stuff wrapped and stacked, that in storage it might have caused some warpage.

Bought some EPS props, 4.75 x 4.75, 4.25 and 4.1 plus an aluminum prop adaptor to experiment with. The 4.75 seems to produce a bit more of a focused, slightly more powerful thrust than the supplied Gunther Spoon, but makes the motor work noticeably harder. Looking forward to giving it a toss this weekend, as I have decided to try it out barefoot before putting on that new littlebirdz gear set. Not a big handlaunch fan here, but what the heck.

Hi- totally agree on location of nose wheel- I also had to place it behind servos on a balsa floor but I did use a home made shock absorber. I will post a pic soon. I also considered using the two servo setup to steer the nose wheel but could not work it out. Please let me know how you solved that one!

Thanks & BR
Tony

[bbstriker]

Anyone of you know about the RTF Art-Tech Predator: =http://www.art-tech.cn/english/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=130.

I don't know if the model without electronics is available. The plane is availalbe from AWL Hobbies (http://www.awlhobbies.com/page3.html) in the USA, for us$ 129.95

CD
Tower hobbies sell it without R/C - I think for around $65.

[CrashingDutchman]

Thanks,

The website says it will be available late june (link: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJWJ5&P=7). It seems to me that it is not the same as the one from Art-Tech. AWL Hobbies supplies a 8.4v/1000 mah battery where Tower includes a 9.6v/350mah battery.

I found a smaller (68 cm span) version at tower hobbies to: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHST2&P=ML

CD

[tedworld1]

first, the RTF Predator by Art-Tech is all over ebay for $135 shipped.

Ok, moving right along...

The two servo/v-tail/steering setup...

This is a novel thing. The Clancy Ascender uses this config to give nosewheel steering using the elevon mixed servos. The V-shaped linkage passing thru the front axle can move forward and backward(down or up elevator) without affecting the left/right position of the aileron throw. This idea could be incorporated up inside the Predator cockpit by putting a similar, shorter V-shaped rod through the steering arm. This would not be perfect steering, but enough to taxi/takeoff and land. It works quite nicely on the Clancy and gets rid of having a third steering channel/servo

http://members.aol.com/tedworld1/images/clancy1.jpg

http://members.aol.com/tedworld1/images/clancy2.jpg

[tedworld1]

BTW- there are some key differences in the Art-Tech Predator and the one sold by Tower/Hobby Lobby/Hobby People/etc. The Art-Tech is 53" wingspan 35" length,with a S380 motor, the Flyzone one only 39" wingspan, 22" length with a geared 130. Based on price for the RTF models, I would go the Art-Tech for the larger size and only a couple of bucks more. You are going to toss the radio anyway, right ;-) The Flyzone, I believe comes with a knockoff Hitec 3 channel 72MHz FM with integrated mixing, and the Art-Tech with a typical 4 channel 27mhz FM radio using a v-tail mixer on the plane.

[SEMPERFI8387]

BTW- The Flyzone, I believe comes with a knockoff Hitec 3 channel 72MHz FM with integrated mixing, and the Art-Tech with a typical 4 channel 27mhz FM radio using a v-tail mixer on the plane.


I think you may have this backwards.
The Hobbico is 27 MHz-The ArtTech is 72MHz, @ least the radio on my ArtTech is 72MHz, and the Hobbico website shows a 27MHz on their predator.
Smitty

[tedworld1]

Does the Art Tech fly well?

[CrashingDutchman]

There are 2 video's off this plane on the Art-Tech website. They seem to fly well, allthough they show a little too much dihedral to my taste.

[SEMPERFI8387]

Does the Art Tech fly well?

Not sure. I just got mine here on RCG. I'm still learning to fly, so it will be a while till I dumbthumb with this.
I just bought it cause I love the Predator and the price could not be beat.
Later,Smitty

[cadmanpilot]

Tony,

Did you get a chance to test fly your Draganfly Predator B on Saturday?

Paul

[tedworld1]

Ok, here 's my final maiden configuration on the Draganfly Predator:

Replaced the stock motor with a Graupner GR1718 Speed 400 with inline 4:1 gearbox($31 on eBay!). Running APC 10 x 7 SF prop with Hyperion prop-saver hub. Now, with the 1100mah NiMH 7-cell battery, it is perfect CG, in fact, had to add a penny up front to give it some down. Thrust is easily twice or more that of the stock motor and Gunther Spoon.

I also now have full range of throttle stick control whereas before, the stock motor wouldn't start until about half stick. I also tried the 11 x 7 SF and it has even a bit more thrust, but is huge for that plane. I don't think I will have any power problems now.

I have the landing gear ready to install, but am opting to go commando, hand launch and belly land the first time around just to see how performance goes.

Maiden scheduled for this weekend, barring windy conditions.

[CrashingDutchman]

I have the landing gear ready to install, but am opting to go commando, hand launch and belly land the first time around just to see how performance goes.


Funny, I prefer to do the maiden with landing gear and not by handlaunching it.

CD

[tedworld1]

Maiden Flight Success! Running Draganfly Predator with GR1718 4:1 geared Speed 400 motor, 7 cell 1100mah NiMH Airsoft gun battery, and APC 10 x 7 SF on a Hyperion prop saver.

In a steady 5mph breeze, handlaunched to a nice climbout at full throttle, then half to bank and come around, found out quickly that at full throttle it goes way too fast downwind. Going back into the wind at half throttle, gained altitude quickly, then flew mostly at half, third or no throttle, did some soaring for about 10 minutes, some stalls to check recovery characteristics. This plane didn't want to come down.

Total flight was about 15 minutes with plenty of battery to spare. Perfect belly landing in the wheatfield.

Dutchman - Normally I would use the gear, but this plane came without gear in the first place, so I figured to try it that way then go through the whole process of installing gear, rebalancing, etc. I still am not sure how I want to steer the nosewheel just yet either. I suppose if it weren't more of a sailplane than anything, I would have felt better starting with gear. but I've always handlaunched my sailplanes.

It's not a UAV per se just yet, but I'm confident that I can easily accomodate another 5 or 6oz of gear with no problem, even more if I go lipo. Hunting for a good lightweight video transmitter and camera..... I tried the 1.2Ghz all-in-one, but it was crappy video and limited range.

[bbstriker]

Congratulations Tedworld!!!!

Unfortunately I have been pulled off my project by a month due to absurd work demands. I am greatly encouraged by your success. Now I can hardly wait to finish my UAV Predator.

[bbstriker]

Tony,

Did you get a chance to test fly your Draganfly Predator B on Saturday?

Paul

Hi Paul

Unfortunately I've had to put back my project by 1 month due to absurd work demands. :(

I'm greatly encouraged by Tedworld's success- can't wait to resume!

[cadmanpilot]

tedworld1,

Congrats on the successful maiden. It sounds like you have come up with a good power alternative for that airframe. Can you describe the stall and stall recovery characteristics that you experienced?

Paul

[Crash Pilot]

tedworld1

Please keep the information coming. You have given hope that one day my Predator may fly. How did you find your motor and gearbox setup. If you recommend this then I may copy your setup due to my lack of knowledge about motors and gear ratio's.

Thanks

Crash Pilot

[tedworld1]

oops! sorry haven't checked back lately. I had discovered the Graupner geared 400 while searching for an inline planetary gearbox. My initial thought was to use the added weight of the gearbox to balance out the CG, and of course, give me some additional thrust with larger prop. Looking over Speed 400 with gearbox performance charts on the web, it looked as if the general consensus was that 4:1 was the way to go:

http://www.image-maker.demon.co.uk/pages/spd_400.html among others.

Most all the calcs I found proved that the geared setup with 10 x 7 and my battery pack rating would double the thrust over the factory direct drive to Spoon prop.

I found the Graupner at Tower for $69 then looked around on eBay for a couple of days and voila! One popped up for $31 new in box. I got it. Also got a 11 x 7 for good measure. Have not tried it yet.

The Graupner GR1718 is longer than the stock motor, but will fit in nicely with a bit of milling around the hatch to accomodate the leads. You could play "Operation", and drop the motor in first, then try to solder the leads, but I wanted to make sure they were soldered perfectly, so I recycled the stock motor caps, then put the leads on and stuffed it all in there. once it's in, it slides right into place and bolts up with no problem.

I believe the prop saver is a must, as even with landing gear in place, the 10 x 7 prop would be in danger of being dragged on most any flared landing. I can't imagine you could even rotate on takeoff without hitting the ground with it. For now, I am sticking with hand launch, as it climbs right out with little fanfare.

If I decide to go ahead and install the gear, I might go with a brushless outrunner and smaller three blade prop, not only to give it a more scale look, but to clear the ground.

I'll post some pics of it so you can see what it looks like now.

[tedworld1]

cadman-

stalls were surprisingly mild mannered. I could kill the power, let it nose up and literally stop, the nose would fall with no tendency to roll, spin or dive. Nose came down and it started flying again in about 7 ft. Control surfaces were set to the lowest authority, and I will probably give it a boost up one hole just to take care of some sluggish response at slow speed. Unfortunately, this will make it a lot more skittish.

Powered stall was OK. full throttle, nose up at about 45, stall, then nose drop and forward motion regained almost instantly with no tendency to tip or roll either way. That's downwind. Upwind, stall at full throttle, then hover was easy enough till I got a little sideways. That's when she spun on a dime and was suddenly going about 45 at a 45! Easy recovery though.

This is a pretty docile plane til you get sideways to the wind. Going crosswind, had to actually fly it very carefully to keep from getting a wing up. The plane will climb out at about 30 degrees at full throttle into the breeze with no problem and plenty of control.

Watch out for overbanking at higher speeds. It is not made for screaming turns. I almost bit it once while lining up for landing. This is my first V-Tail plane, and it does handle a bit differently. Downwind or dead, it is mostly self-righting. If it gets crazy, cut the throttle and let go for a second. It will flatten out. Landing into the breeze was a breeze. Throttle down and came in nice and smooth, nice flare at the end and "plop" into the wheatfield.

[Crash Pilot]

tedworld1

Thanks for the info. I have been checking ebay for the graupner but none have showed up with the inline gearbox. I have also been keeping an eye on the brushless motors but I have to do some research on them because I have no idea what size is required. Plus I am trying to get away with only using a 2 cell lipol to save weight.
You seem to know your motors so if you source a good brushless combo it would be appreciated if you could share the info.

Thanks

Crash Pilot

[tedworld1]

go here: http://brantuas.com/ezcalc/multiplexcalc.asp

[Crash Pilot]

tedworld1

Thanks I will check it out.

Jamie

[tedworld1]

anybody been flying the Draganfly lately?

[Crash Pilot]

My Predator project is on hold untill I get the funds for a brushless combo.

Sure interested also if anyone has any flying updates.

Crash Pilot

[bbstriker]

Here are some pics. I've taken a long time to build the wiring loom. It's taken many iterations!

I think I'm ready to install flight computer ;)

[tedworld1]

bb-

Looks great! I see the steering assembly worked OK. Did you reinforce the floor?

My Pred has been shelfed as I've been in the middle of a move. Hoping to get back to it soon.

[bbstriker]

No, I didn't reinforce the floor. Not sure if I need to. Since then I've added flashing LEDs to indicate avionics power, main power and video transmission- looks very cool!

My project has been on hold due to various work commitments but I plan to install the Autopilot in the next couple of weeks.

[tedworld1]

Had another successful flight today. Only one, as there were 12 planes and some ultralights trying to use the field, and I gave up waiting for the ultralight guys to pause for a while. Flew for about 15 minutes, mostly half throttle, and still didn't reach engine cutoff on the Airsoft battery. There are still some CG issues that I need to work out. There is a vast difference in attitude depending on throttle position. I may need to add some more to the nose. Still haven;t added the landing gear either. That will likely require some serious reorganization of components as well.

[tedworld1]

Well, I suppose I will give the thread a bump. Realizing, of course, that my Predator is still not technically a "UAV", just yet, perhaps some will find my airframe flight tests informative. Also, I am still hoping to hear from other Predator model pilots.

Another successful flying day today. Two 15 minute flights. What I've determined so far:

1. It will fly. It is NOT a sailplane. At 26 oz. flying weight, the plane drops fairly quickly with no throttle. It "can" sort of thermal, but it is touchy and tends to stall out. It is also very susceptible to crosswinds and tends to gyrate or buffet easily. This will be challenging for the UAV designer.

2. There is definitely a bit of wing uniformity problem from the factory. I suspect the tiny bit of a twist, about a couple of millimeters, along the right wing, is causing a varying amount of left bank. It is difficult to compensate for this with trim, as it really changes a lot with airspeed. I've attempted to fix this by weighting and reshrinking the wing, but it keeps coming back. To fix this will take some serious torque applied for a long time, with several heat and cool sessions, maybe as serious as stripping the wing and wetting the wood.

3. It really needs to have an open mounted outrunner or very well ventilated motor compartment. Running the Graupner at half throttle for most of a flight caused some heating that was quite noticeable even after 5 minutes on the bench to cool off. I'm thinking about adding a scoop and air outlets to funnel air through the motor.

A happy note... The plane is again available online from a particular retailer, not Draganfly, for $119. Maybe time for another one just for kicks and a different configuration, or just some spare parts to work with.

Forgot the camera again... but I did get some crappy flybys with the cellphone videocam... These are not sped up. They are .3g2 files, but should play in Quicktime or Realplayer. You can look in here:
http://members.aol.com/four20bot/images/pred/

[roarealva]

Hello I do Brasil
please
I want to build the Predator
I want to plant design scheme
to do with balsa wood
thanks