NASA’s Glenn Research Center has tons of software for structural analysis.
And as they say in engineering: weight is everything.
Pigs can fly if you strap big enough rockets to them!
Is that Fusion 360?
Drew said:
Is that Fusion 360?
Yep!
Hey OP, I just got into drones and want to build something like this one day. Any advice for a beginner? Also, how much does a project like this cost?
Hayden said:
Hey OP, I just got into drones and want to build something like this one day. Any advice for a beginner? Also, how much does a project like this cost?
Start by learning CAD software. I highly recommend getting a 3D printer—it makes everything more fun. Then dive into aerodynamics, lift coefficients, drag coefficients, airfoil design, and CFD simulations. Research papers help a lot too.
Also, check out YouTube channels like RCTestFlight. They show how to build custom models, which is a great starting point!
@Casey
Thanks! Funny enough, I was already following RCTestFlight!
Eclipson-airplanes.com sells lightweight PLA for 3D-printed planes. Might be worth checking out.
The US government wants to know your location.
Looks great! I still love my Reaper—got it from Nitroplanes over 20 years ago.
Are you using a bottom fin on that V-tail? You might be able to skip it in an RC, but it could affect stability.
Bay said:
Are you using a bottom fin on that V-tail? You might be able to skip it in an RC, but it could affect stability.
I’m using a V-tail because I was worried a Y-tail might break on landing, especially since I didn’t include landing gear.
This looks amazing! I just bought parts and a prebuilt airframe for my first build. Hope to have the skills to design my own soon!
Really cool—how would you install an FPV system on it?