After going on hiatus for a couple years, the project is back!
Many parts have been designed, 3D printed, CNC machined, TIG welded, and turned on my trusty Atlas 618 lathe over the past 2 years of working the occasional evening and weekend.
These include:
The all-carbon 4-meter-span polyhedral wing has been removed in favor of an off-the-shelf 6-meter glider wing. Although flight simulation of the original polyhedral wing indicated that the vehicle would be controllable (somewhat) with the VTOL booms mounted to them, it was decided to use a wing with ailerons instead.
The picture above was taken during indoor hovering tests. The PID loops were tuned and the airframe was checked for adverse dynamic interactions with the autopilot. Wiring was run externally during these tests so as to minimize the need for rework if the boom placement was unacceptable. Control characteristics were deemed acceptable, so the wings and booms will soon be fitted with the final lightweight mil-spec wiring.
Many parts have been designed, 3D printed, CNC machined, TIG welded, and turned on my trusty Atlas 618 lathe over the past 2 years of working the occasional evening and weekend.
These include:
- 3D printed engine cooling shroud with integrated cooling flap and servo mounts.
- 3D printed ignition timing ring and machined aluminum alternator adapter.
- 3D printed VTOL motor mounts and VTOL boom mounts.
- CNC machined aluminum VTOL propeller locking mechanisms.
- Welded aluminum exhaust.
- CNC machined aluminum propeller hub and spinner back
The all-carbon 4-meter-span polyhedral wing has been removed in favor of an off-the-shelf 6-meter glider wing. Although flight simulation of the original polyhedral wing indicated that the vehicle would be controllable (somewhat) with the VTOL booms mounted to them, it was decided to use a wing with ailerons instead.
The picture above was taken during indoor hovering tests. The PID loops were tuned and the airframe was checked for adverse dynamic interactions with the autopilot. Wiring was run externally during these tests so as to minimize the need for rework if the boom placement was unacceptable. Control characteristics were deemed acceptable, so the wings and booms will soon be fitted with the final lightweight mil-spec wiring.
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