I'm scratch building a Pegasus tow-plane from parts that I laser cut. At this point the fuselage is framed up and I've started gluing it together.

Three of my giant scale glider fuselages

I've integrated a DIY Drones APM 2.5 into an F2 and have been able to install all of the avionics into the wing, keeping a minimal amount of equipment in the fuselage. The pictures show, I've installed an Ardupilot 2.5 with data modems and and optional airspeed module. Fuselages can be swapped between wings if desired and modules can be easily removed and replaced with just 4 screws.

I also made up a mount for a Canon SX-280 camera that slides into the fuselage, just have one more piece to make once I get my laptop running again. The camera is turned on and setup before the wing is installed. The script that runs the camera is set to delay the camera so pictures don't get taken until after launch.

The F2 is available with a complete APM install, test flown and trimmed for anyone that is interested.

Here's a new project that I'm working on with Dan "Leadfeather" StLouis. The BD-5J has always been a favorite of mine (I have a Byron Originals 40% scale DF version) and it looks like it's going to be a great ultrabatic sloper as well. I'm setting up to cut kits and will be offering them on the hobby side of my business. So far we've flown it on a small slope here in Kansas and are really pleased with the results. Dan will be taking it to California in a couple of weeks and will really be able to test is out then.

More planes will be coming along these lines. A-10? Tucano?

Jimmy

BD-5 test glide (2 min 41 sec)

BD-5 Maiden (5 min 51 sec)

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Here's my latest (yet unnamed) project. I've moved the wing spars out of the fuselage and put the wing on top of the fuselage, I've also designed an equipment tray that will work with the Foamaroo and the new design. It's nice to finally be able use SolidWorks and my laser cutter!

Thanks for visiting my page. I wanted to start my blog with some planes that I've designed and built over the years. I'm very involved in UAV and FPV aircraft development and welcome any inquiries you might have concerning cooperative development of business interests.

My background:

I retired from the Air Force in '99 with a 2 year degree in Intelligence Collection. I've always had a burning passion for aircraft and decided to get my Airframe and Powerplant license when I got out. I graduated from the National Aviation Academy in 2001 with an Associates in Aircraft Maintenance and have since earned my Inspection Authorization as well. I'm fluent in Japanese and can understand Russian and some German.

I've been involved in RC since I was 16 and have always enjoyed scratch building. I taught myself how to make molds while in Okinawa, Japan (for 16 years!) and have been building composite models ever since!

Here's some of the planes I've designed over the years....Continue Reading