Anyone has UAV plans?

[red_gol]

The one we now have is a big RC plane with 2.4 meter wingspan.
http://image.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/244552/Ek15393.jpg

It's not a professional aircraft designed for UAV. For example, the fuselage is not big enough for big camera and more fuel.

I'm looking for a plan from which I can build a 3 meters strong UAV. Any help?

Thanks!

[workshop]

I, too, am fond of the high wind trainer style aircraft. That airframe style seems to be the first choice in small general aviation craft for stability reasons and that makes it a good UAV candidate IMO.

I'd look at the 12' (3.66m) Telemaster Kit sold through Tower Hobbies and Hobby Lobby.


Jeff

Disclaimer: I'm an avocational UAV designer and pilot.

[macboffin]

Obvious faults with current design? Camera pod near vibration device! Also, positioned so as to catch exhaust fumes, fuel drips etc.Most "serious" RPVs are pushers; engine remote from sensor pod, airframe, let alone lenses etc stays clean, much lower drag,(no turbulent propwash along length of fuselage, wing roots, U/C tail etc, so you stay longer or go farther on the same fuel. Further, if there are bugs about, propwash plasters them more firmly on the lens; if the plane flies at fifty, the airblast from the prop is probably doing twice that! Think about a pusher with twn tail booms, three piece wings, removable booms and tail units, more practical design, and easier to transport. Look at UAVs.RPVs on the net for ideas.

[red_gol]

Thanks! Is there a place I can find plans?

[workshop]

This confirguation may counter many of the valid objections you raised. It's electric...

Jeff

p.s. The 12' Telemaster is a kit... the plans are in the box. ;)

[macboffin]

Good suggestion Jeff; answers common problem that I see in this forum, people used to ARTF planes, often have electronics know-how, but little aerodynamics knowlege.
UAVs have to be a bundle of compromises flying in close formation, so an easy airplane helps, ie should be auto stable, not change pitch trim with power changes etc; preferably be a little over-powered, (deals with wind etc) and flaps are useful too.

[workshop]

"often have electronics know-how, but little aerodynamics knowledge."

Well I certainly fall under that category. :rolleyes: The electronics seem easy compared to the arcane voodoo of aerodynamic engineering. Fighting a flying stab was my main problem with the high wing motor pylon adaptation.

I think (this is coming from an amateur) that one of the first UAV design considerations should be "Where is it most likely to land?".

Jeff

[macboffin]

You mean, "As opposed to where you WANT it to land" ? Good point! Well, high wing, maybe "T" tail or Vee tail, trike undercart, flaps, all help to keep the terrain at bay
Also, fly, fly,fly; the more practise, the easier it gets to put it where you want.

[skymind]

The one we now have is a big RC plane with 2.4 meter wingspan.
http://image.rcuniverse.com/forum/upfiles/244552/Ek15393.jpg

It's not a professional aircraft designed for UAV. For example, the fuselage is not big enough for big camera and more fuel.

I'm looking for a plan from which I can build a 3 meters strong UAV. Any help?

Thanks!Doesn't the airfoil on this look like the wing has been mounted upside-down?

[macboffin]

Doesn't the airfoil on this look like the wing has been mounted upside-down? Well spotted! I think you are right. Wouldnt help the lift situation any, although pitch stability might improve. Must fly around a bit nose high; therefore due to assymetric prop disc loading it would want to turn left all the time. One thing leads to another!

[Unterhausen]

Doesn't the airfoil on this look like the wing has been mounted upside-down?
Sure does, impressive attention to detail.

[skymind]

Oh I don't know. I guess having looked at so many airfoils it just stood out like the orange paint.

[Wulffy]

Doesn't the airfoil on this look like the wing has been mounted upside-down?

I am patiently awaiting for someone to chime in with the NACA number or an explanation as to theoretical reynolds number calculations, etc... :D

I concur on the 'Good eye, mate' comment - I looked at that photo probably 4 or 5 times and did not catch that until you pointed it out... Nicely done! :rolleyes:

[Airboatflyingshp]

A better configuration for a UAV keeping the high wing would be a Cessna Skymaster with a single large pusher motor there is a tubo prop version with a long nose like this...........or the FW UHU twin boom twin motor recon aircraft.
Being a UAV first and formost a UAV you can simplify ..constant chord wings , flat bottom aerofoils........... semis are for aerobatics unless its underchamberd.... size isnt a problem take a look in SPADS or my Data thread in Free plans and great links for Mud Ducks- its in foamies they are huge light and cheap, better they are tougher than any balsa plane and build in no time.... stalling speed whats that? Payload............take a look.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=613143
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=620715

[macboffin]

You mention flat bottom airfoils a s a simplicity fix; they have a drawback in that planes with flat bottoms(Should I re-phrase that?) tend to balloon upwards when you straighten up after a turn. A common "trainer" failing.
But, yes, Clark "Y" good standard aairfoil.

[fly_asmara]

Hi Red Gol. Thought I chip in as best I can. I've been searching for UAV plan for a long time and like many perhaps, the internet is the 1st choice to do this. Like you perhaps, no luck. I've been involved in UAV systems work since year 2000 and when I saw your plane it reminded me of the 1st airframe I used as my UAV - the Super Piper Cub1/3 Scale. Really nice plane to fly - a great floater! But terrrrible terrible UAV! In the end, it couldn't carry much weight - was not designed to I supposed and crashed landed as we were testing auto landing. That's the thing - not designed to be a good UAV. That led me and my team to build our own airframe from scratch. Where to start? Pen and paper for us I'm afraid, aircraft design books, lots of calculations to choose the right airfoil, wing size, engine, tail etc etc. I can tell you what airfoil to use but if you size and shape the wing wrongly, wellll... still not so good. What I can say is that it was such a fantastic feeling to design UAVs from scratch and see the plane fly for the 1st time. I now have my own company selling airframes to those who are interested to get involved in UAV projects but need a good airframe. I attach below an example of one of the airframes that me and my team build after learning from our Super Piper Cub experience. Good Luck to you!