Novice needs UAV help

[eldon519]

Hello, my name is Cory, and I'm working on a project to make a proposal for a relatively cheap UAV comprised of off-the-shelf technology that can deliver at least a portion of the performance of current military UAVs at a much smaller price.

I really don't know that much about RC planes, but our group did purchase the Realflight RC Simulator to help us better understand the sport and to help create a virtual training program to go along with our proposed UAV. Our system will be recommended on paper only, so the skill required to fly or build a plane is not that important to us seeing as we will never actually use it in real life.

I was hoping some of you guys could recommend to me some planes that would be particularly suited for this application. We are looking for a battery-powered plane that has particularly good flight time, stability, and payload. So far I've received recommendations for the GWS Slow Stick, the Mountain Models Magpie AP, and the Telemaster 40.

My group would also really appreciate a synopsis of what all goes into making a UAV that can operate outside the limitations of direct line of sight. We have already anticipated the need for a more powerful transmission system to send the controlling signals over a greater range. What other considerations will we need to account for? Is it possible to use GPS tracking for location purposes and possibly a transmission downlink system for live-action video feed? If so, would the necessary equipment probably be too heavy for the proposed planes we are looking at?

I know I'm asking alot of questions, but honestly any advice or direction would be appreciated. Specific plane models, camera models, transmission systems, or GPS tracking hardware would REALLY help us out. Also, how are UAVs usually oriented as far as cameras go? Do most feature a single forward mounted camera and a downward looking camera or do they typically just use a forward-looking camera and dive to view the ground?

I really appreciate any feedback you guys could give me. Honestly anything will help.

Thanks ahead of time,
Cory

[gizmointhesky]

...

[Brandon Crash]

for video downlinks, check the forums on aerial photography, and FPV

[macboffin]

Hello, my name is Cory, and I'm working on a project to make a proposal for a relatively cheap UAV comprised of off-the-shelf technology that can deliver at least a portion of the performance of current military UAVs at a much smaller price.

I really don't know that much about RC planes, but our group did purchase the Realflight RC Simulator to help us better understand the sport and to help create a virtual training program to go along with our proposed UAV. Our system will be recommended on paper only, so the skill required to fly or build a plane is not that important to us seeing as we will never actually use it in real life.

I was hoping some of you guys could recommend to me some planes that would be particularly suited for this application. We are looking for a battery-powered plane that has particularly good flight time, stability, and payload. So far I've received recommendations for the GWS Slow Stick, the Mountain Models Magpie AP, and the Telemaster 40.

My group would also really appreciate a synopsis of what all goes into making a UAV that can operate outside the limitations of direct line of sight. We have already anticipated the need for a more powerful transmission system to send the controlling signals over a greater range. What other considerations will we need to account for? Is it possible to use GPS tracking for location purposes and possibly a transmission downlink system for live-action video feed? If so, would the necessary equipment probably be too heavy for the proposed planes we are looking at?

I know I'm asking alot of questions, but honestly any advice or direction would be appreciated. Specific plane models, camera models, transmission systems, or GPS tracking hardware would REALLY help us out. Also, how are UAVs usually oriented as far as cameras go? Do most feature a single forward mounted camera and a downward looking camera or do they typically just use a forward-looking camera and dive to view the ground?

I really appreciate any feedback you guys could give me. Honestly anything will help.

Thanks ahead of time,
Cory Check out e-nav web site for starters. Visit a model flying club ground and get some idea of what small planes are about. Your proposal to do a paper exercise has to be grounded in some practical experience!

[Savage_Insight]

Make sure you follow the very basic "laws of flight-craft" design.

Center of gravity, thrust, load, etc. That believe it or not will genuinely help determine how the control/payload will be designed.

[eldon519]

Gizmointhesky,

I looked into the Multiplex Magister and on the webpage, it lists the Weight GLOW as 67 oz and the Weight Electric as 84 oz.

From a quick search on the internet, I found GLOW to be gross lift off weight. My question is what exactly does Weight Electric mean and how could it be higher than the GLOW if it is expected to get off the ground? I know that is a newbie question, but you guys have really helped get this project headed in the right direction.

[Tyson Marchuk]

Gizmointhesky,

I looked into the Multiplex Magister and on the webpage, it lists the Weight GLOW as 67 oz and the Weight Electric as 84 oz.

From a quick search on the internet, I found GLOW to be gross lift off weight. My question is what exactly does Weight Electric mean and how could it be higher than the GLOW if it is expected to get off the ground? I know that is a newbie question, but you guys have really helped get this project headed in the right direction.

New to RC planes myself but I think 'glow' in this case refers to an engine burning fuel not to gross lift off weight. See this link (http://adamone.rchomepage.com/guide4.htm) for example.

-Tyson

[Capt. Crunch]

Not a bad plane for this app, with 20 oz payload it would still fly well, but not likely to get 40 mins duration unless you went brushless motor and LiPo batts.

Please follow th previously posted advice of
1. Read and Understand everything in this forum, you should get a fair idea of what's needed.
2. Find the nearest Model RC Flying field and Club, go, ask, learn, repeat several times.
3. Buy an EasyStar Trainer and all of your group learn to fly.(>$150 total) Do not put a brushless motor on it, you need to lear to fly underpowered and sluggish! Your final product probably will be like that. Fly as often as possible.
4. Beyond line of sight is a very big challange, consider it carefully. Most small UAVs are flown Line of Sight because radio systems used won't go far if there's anything in the path, like hills, curature of earth, etc.
5. Remember to have fun, that's why we're doing it!

Wayne