Homebuilt "UAV"

Easy Star AP Platform

This is my homebuilt 'UAV' of sorts. It started life as a RTF Easy Star, but with a few mods, it is now a fast climbing AP platform. The plane originally came with a 3 channel AM TX/RX, 400 speed brushed motor, and some rather large servos. I basically ripped out all the electronics and replaced them with lightweight components - smaller RX, featherweight servos - as well as a more powerful and efficient brushless motor mated to a slightly more aggressive propellor.

To help balance the plane when fully loaded, I installed the servos right into the control surfaces in the rear. I also mounted the ESC and RX as close to the center of gravity (CoG) as possible. With this electronics layout and no camera, the CoG is actually slightly more to the rear than with the stock setup, which is perfect because with the camera in place, the CoG is right where its supposed to be, so the plane balances out fairly well with the additional weight. However, due to the increased weight, the plane no longer glides or thermals as well as it used to and its landing speed is slightly faster than before. On the plus side, the added weight makes it slightly more stable in flight, which is crucial when landing in windy conditions.

As of now, I cannot see what the camera is seeing. I have a 2.4ghz video downlink ready to be installed which will allow me to "see" through the camera using a small PVR. With the downlink, I also have the option of someday adding a video overlayed heads up display which can show me the airplane's altitude.