I would simply use a pan and tilt camera platform for fpv. That gives you a very large fov, relatively speaking, and would be ideal for aerial combat, as you could look for and visually follow other aircraft.

Its helpfull with a servo on the tilt view but its the Radio that still needs work if we are going to see. I hope someone builds a radio with the tilt/pan on top of the right flight stick like we see on flight sim's joysticks.
I'm giving it a try now but its very hard to make it work without the right tools.

The Flitetest guys just did a nice video of a pan/tilt GoPro platform with head-tracker goggles. This setup would be perfect for combat!

Flite Test - GoPro Head Tracker FPV - PROJECT (7 min 25 sec)

Also, here's the build video:

Flite Test - DIY Simple FPV Pan/Tilt Setup - BUILD (24 min 23 sec)

Thanks for posting that!
I’m realizing now, I worked the wrong end of the problem. ”for a year!”
I owe you a video .

Yeah, I think this pan and tilt system would add that "head on a swivel" realism of actual aerial combat to rc fpv combat.

this is great research on the desired topic.
the pan tilt is fantastic and will add the "in cockpit" feel to the videos from the desired positions. Ctrout...could you place these systems on the AA guns as well? so their operators would have controls from the fpv equipment primarily? it'd look pretty kool looking up the barrel at on comming planes with the WW2 round sights on those AAs

thanks to GFergy for the vids
*highfive GFergy*

Yea, I think the head tracking would make them much better but.. It looks like 5 systems / frequencies are max
With 2.4 controlling the planes for AMA rules maybe Night vision cable video maybe better for the AAs and be a little cheaper if a 500’cables will work.
We are talking about all this now before we order anything

Night vision cameras on the AA are good. you can hard wire them that way and save the extra frequencies.

so the most 2.4gig vid systems that can operate at a time is 5? ive been wondering this for the "nascar wing races"
is there any other way to get more planes in the air?
can any of the other fpv frequencies opperate more planes?

i know this is logistically and finiancially straining...could you have multiple frequencies?

2.4 for the planes and 900mhz for the AA?
just a thought

Originally Posted by RDIII

Night vision cameras on the AA are good. you can hard wire them that way and save the extra frequencies.

so the most 2.4gig vid systems that can operate at a time is 5? ive been wondering this for the "nascar wing races"
is there any other way to get more planes in the air?
can any of the other fpv frequencies opperate more planes?

i know this is logistically and finiancially straining...could you have multiple frequencies?

2.4 for the planes and 900mhz for the AA?
just a thought

Still looking for more info of what we can use. a lot of testing and "Luck" to get planes and 4 AA to work. It just takes time.lol

Originally Posted by GFergy

How about that? Could lasertag technology be modded for use aboard r/c electrics for FPV combat? How cool would that be?

with obsticals and a pilot copilot both have pan n tilt one can shoot and look for his opponet the other can fly thru and around the obsticals laser dot sighting its a new world! lets play!

Just a tip.
For practicing FPV and infrared a few of us are using a smoke system from wallmart. The idea of using IR like guns on the wing is not as helpful as adding the IR bulb to the pan/tilt pod. I think its safer for the plane to have the bulb pivot with the video and fly next to the ground target"up off the ground a few feet" and hit it then aim at the target with the plane. I think it will be about the same if you’re using the sonic with a servo to release parts from a trap door for a air 2 air. Aiming the IR using the plane is a pain.
good hunting


ps.. The smoke system uses IR to turn on the pump to see the smoke after the hit. 40 bucks and you have something to shoot at lol.

DogFighter Combat Simulation System FPV (1 min 20 sec)

You guys are doing good but remember using control surfaces to show a effects from an IR hit will likely get you banned from every insurance protected airfield in the US.
Some suggestions. Mix in a couple of 940 bulbs with the 850s for night vision, use reflection tape for the body lines on the planes.Same with the ground targets will make the event much more interesting. I realize the planes are too small to follow suit but it still interesting to see if you the pilot.
Welcome to the rat race Canada.

Sure, the combat effects module is just an add on and 'wiggles' the plane, control is still maintained.

The system is designed to work with the ForceFly joystick control which has a programmable dead man switch that eliminates the effects if the pilot feels it is compromising his control.

Actually the ForceFly is great for combat especially with the logitech G940 because it has built in 'afterburner' and 'air-brakes' control. Its much easier to pace bogeys because you can set the throttle and tap a button to boost or brake speed. I found that simply on a throttle it is too easy to fall behind or overshoot your target.

What kind of control input does your system require? Could the ForceFly be setup to operate it?

Originally Posted by ctrout

Its helpfull with a servo on the tilt view but its the Radio that still needs work if we are going to see. I hope someone builds a radio with the tilt/pan on top of the right flight stick like we see on flight sim's joysticks.
I'm giving it a try now but its very hard to make it work without the right tools.

Check this video:

ForceFly force feedback FPV joystick (2 min 48 sec)

Pan and tilt on the flight stick at 0:44.