|
|
|
Build Log
Scratch Build Composite UAS System
Hey there guys!
Alright, So I've been researching and planning a complete UAS system for over a year now and did not find an airframe within a resonable price range to fit my needs so I decided to Build My Own! I have some general specs and will possibly turn this thread into a build log when I start this project. Wingspan: 96" Wing Chord: 12" Constant Airfoil: NACA 4415 Fuselage: 42"x6"x6" Empennage: Twin-boom Inverted V-Tail Power System: 45-55cc Gas with Generator Material: 7075-T6 Aluminum, Carbon Fiber, Fiberglass, Wood I'm designing this plane after the Mugin UAV from FPVFlying.com with some structural and cosmetic improvements to the airframe and engine. Ultimately it will resemble the RQ-7 Shadow. I'm looking at perfecting this design, building with composites and probably selling some ready-made airframes with the option of Electronics package and GCS. Here's where you guys come in. I've built a few planes here and there but nothing this large so I need some structural advice and building tips for this large airframe. I'm fairly new but I'm also a very quick learner. I have a military background and experience with UAS platforms. FYI: I'm looking for very professional structural building, nothing in the realm of gerry-rigging or something not build to last. I'm going to be adding ideas and could use some experienced input. I understand weight is a limitation but can adjust for heavier weight but stronger structural techniques. I look forward to reading the posts and replies! -Hunter |
|
|
|
|
|
|
You should consider what it is going to take to produce these thing in the most expeditious and cost effective way possible. There may be some things that aren't the "slickest" but the easiest to produce. You know what the price tag is on the Mugin, so you know what the target should be. Either that, or have a list of benefits that outweigh any additional cost over that airframe.
Unfortunately, your entry is at a time when it's a "buyers market" on UA, exacerbated by the fact that only public entities can fly. The "training" COA's that the FAA are releasing now are for smaller craft so that the agency can prove proficiency. Many of those that are actively pursing the addition of a UA are looking at the smaller Tier I aircraft as their front line platforms. Out of curiousity, what is your intent on this endeavor? Do you want to try for a military contract? What kind of quantities are you shooting for? This explanation might get you advice that would be tailored to what your end goals are. Gene |
|
|
|
|
|
Honestly, I'm doing this out of sheer pleasure at the moment. But in the future I want to be able to have the experience and building skills to produce these tailored to the customer. The more I sell, the more production upgrades I can buy. I know I can't compete with the big contract companies for the Military...I should know. But possibly one day I could very well do that. Right now I'm just looking at a single frame build. Call it a prototype if you will. I figured the more experience and knowledge I have going in the better outcome I will have. Just looking for technicals at the moment. I can weigh the cost vs. time vs. efficiency aspect.
Hunter |
|
Last edited by parri0923; Jan 03, 2013 at 10:51 PM.
|
|
|
|
OK, got it.
With that wing and loading, you'll end up with a big, floaty platform that has sailplane flight characteristics. I would suspect that you won't get an AUW of 10lbs with a 45-55cc powerplant, generator, and fuel cell. Probably closer to 30+ lbs by the time you figure for a decent payload. You should also consider what sort of take off and landing requirement goals you have in mind. Prepped runway? Catapult? Net? Those sort things figure into the final design. |
|
|
|
|
|
Thanks Tex. Here in San Antone I have some connections with prepped runways for UAVs and also we have Kitty Hawk Airfield that is privately owned made for ultralights but they allow RC airplanes with no membership requirements. I'm sure the AMA buddies at the local flying fields won't like my UAV GCS flying anyway! I would like to be able to take off from virtually anywhere but I know I won't have the endurance and payload requirements from a bird that small.
|
|
|
|
|
|
The aircraft itself should easily come in at 10 to 15 pounds with standard equipment. Based on my experience building composite aircraft I would see the each wing panel being around 3.5 lbs if composite with a vac bagged and internal frame structure. I use 1/8 " Divinci foam with an outside layer of 3 oz cloth and inside layer of 2 oz then vac bag each skin in a mold. Either a balsa or 1/8 ply structure can be used. For inside structure do not get over involved. All you need to do is stop the wing from from collapsing in on it self and provide for at least 80% wing spar and a couple of anti rotating pins. You can also build this type of wing with a hot wired foam cores and cover with brown paper and elmers glue mix. Again a good spar and pins will suffice. You will be surprised how strong a brown paper wing is. I did several models last year with just the paper covering and have tried my best to break a wing. Not been able to break one as yet.
Checkout some of my threads... I cover composite aircraft design in detail with several different wing building methods.... Cheers |
|
|
Thread Tools | |
Similar Threads | |||||
Category | Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Discussion | Composite scratch build plans pages? | jim2wright | Composites Fabrication | 4 | Aug 21, 2012 05:55 AM |
Discussion | First composite/ scratch build | cody303 | Slope Soaring | 28 | Jun 07, 2006 11:59 PM |
Discussion | Scratch composite Build Questions. | splitesse | The Builders Workshop | 1 | Apr 26, 2006 05:09 PM |
60" S3 Viking composite scratch build | mothflyer | Slope Soaring | 29 | Dec 28, 2004 05:38 AM |