Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Air Models / November 2006

I suppose you could say it is "quick and dirty" in a mechanical sense,
but as I mentioned earlier this is primarily a comp eng project, so our
emphasis is shifted away from mechanical and towards electrical. As far
as cost and what can and can't be done, given previous discussion on
the matter and research we've been doing we're hoping we can do quite a
bit with under $1000. Note that our budget exceeds this, but we'd
rather not put more than $500 of *easily broken* parts on a single
plane. We may have to use a "toy" to accomplish that, but if a toy can
carry our system and demonstrate autonomous flight then we're more than
happy with it. I get the sense that the toy vs. not toy is a holy war
among RC enthusiasts, and not very relevent to this project. We've all
but settled on the electric EasyStar model; we're encouraged by the
success that VR enthusiasts have had with it.

Thanks for the contact suggestion, we're always happy to have experts
to turn to. It seems like there are some questions only experience can
answer.

We currently have a GPS unit and a Co-pilot module, although we are
optimistic about the plane's inherit stability making the latter
unecessary. We're looking into black box modules that log flight data
to aid in modeling the plane's in-flight behavior, after which we can
apply the model to our control system.

The concern that I am trying to express is that your choice of airframe
will not begin to meet your needs because there might not be enough room
inside.

Most trainers are about the same.  The one I have is an old Hangar 9
"Cessna" ARF.  That name means it is vaguely a generic light plane
look-like with general Cessna color patterns. Span 60 inches,  weight
around 5 pounds,  power Thunder Tiger Pro 46.  Center fuselage outside
measures nearly 4 inches wide and probably 5 inches high below the wing.
 There is no space left inside after the control package and protective
foam is put in place.

A Google search says Taylor University is in Indiana.  There must be
dozens of R/C airplane clubs within a one to three hour drive.  Do
yourself a favor on a Saturday and/or Sunday when the winds are not too
high and the temperatures are not too cold and go visit some of them.
Look at their planes.  Find an  EasyStar either on a flight line or in a
hobby shop and check it out.

Apologies:  "Quick and dirty"  is a term from vernacular.  Not to be
taken too literally.  It means getting something done effectively and in
a timely manner without a lot of formality.  "Toy R/C Planes"  in my
references are just that.  Try Wal Mart or Harbor Freight.  The vast
majority of the planes in the R/C  fliers' universe are sophisticated
and carefully tested miniature aircraft.  The information and advice you
are getting from other posters is from true world class national and
international competitors and world class business people.  I am awed.

My own best shot for low power consumption and space inside a plane
would be a large electric sailplane.  An available design might have a 4
to 6 inch cross section fuselage enlarged to perhaps 8 inches if needed
to create  a place for your electronic packages.  Power is primarily
atmospheric thermals with an electric motor to initially achieve a
working altitude.  Flight times can go on for longer than the pilot(s)
can stand.
I would like to leave a comment about winds up higher in your region,
however.  Someone I fly with has a cousin in Indiana who flys small
electric foamies.  So far two of them have gone too high and been picked
up by those higher winds.  Somewhere out there in the high sky,
presumably,  are two little lost airplanes unable to find their way back
to earth. . .