newbie - predator plan ?

[swiart2]

hi

i'm a newbie in UAV, but i'd like to build my own for spring!

i'm looking for a looking like PREDATOR from raidentech PLAN, to build my own

do you have ?

thanks
stephane

[Rockeyes]

Bump :)

[pitviper]

Hi there,

do you want something r/c look-alike or do you want to construct a "real" UAV with self steering and stuff...? For the plans on the hardware i recommend a picture search over Google for UAV Predator. Fairly quick you will get to some drawings with pretty big resolution, ideal for being put in some kind of graphics software to be enlarged to desired size and print out. I´ll try the Kline-Fogleman airfoil on mine as i like the simple structure and the brilliant idea of it. I´m not after a Predator, but something like the Destert Hawk. It will be my testing platform for propulsions and airfoils in the near future, but it will sure look like a really nasty UAV....

Best regards,
carsten

[Rockeyes]

A bit of both really. Ultimately I’m looking for a good platform to use for aerial photography, down linking live video and waypoint following. I have no experience other than previously being a keen aero modeller.
As always I don’t think one model would fit all my requirements but an electric 2mtr machine with a respectable payload capacity would go a long way. The scale look is defiantly not a requirement buy if it was a Pilatus Porter P6 would fit the bill nicely.
A quick build is a must.
Never seen the Desert Hawk before you mentioned it.

[Dan_Jones]

There is a thread in the foamy section with plans on how to build the Desert Hawk. My own suspisions are that it may not be the best AP platform. I have a predator from Raidentech and I do like it's stability in the air. The long thin wings make it nice and stable. The only thing I don't like about it is that it takes a 1/8th mile to land the thing. It does glide very well and I don't have the space to land it. I end up doing high speed kame-kazi landings that make it bounce. I added suspension to the front to make it stick to the ground better, but what I really want is flaps. I am making a foam cutting machine to make my own wings for it right now. If you do get a predator, don't build it like the instructions say. Cut some holes near the tail fins and mount your servos there. You'll need all the space up front for your cameras and transmitters.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=552246&page=5#post6725702

[pitviper]

Hi folks,

i´d suggest a strong and simple airfoil that will do the job. For the fuselage you could take foam tube(s) which are being used for thermal insulation at hot water tubes and installations. They are light weight, flexible and cheap. And they are available in different diameters from a few inch up to huge tubes. I´ll use one of those for my UAV, about 3inches diameter. Or build one of Depron/Zepron, you can never go wrong with that. You may even try on the center tubes from "TP" or those of kitchen tissues.... :D

@ Dan --> You could try a parachute system for your UAV, like the german X-2000 LUNA drone. Catapult starting/parachute landing. No more trouble with to loooooong landings. :p

Best regards,
Carsten