The launch of a radio-controlled aircraft gives a sea of adrenaline, drive and positive emotions to both a child and an adult. This entertainment is available to everyone. On sale there are FPV aircraft for every taste. In addition, if desired, you can make a budget, but a working option with your own hands.
A bit about First Person View
By the abbreviation FPV we mean a flight control system from the “first-person perspective”.
Many modelers draw an analogy of such flights with video games. But still, no game on the simulator can be compared with the drive from a real hover in the air or crazy races at altitude.
With flight simulators, you can spend time quite safely, unlike racing or simple flights with the FPV system, in which the adrenaline level increases due to factors:
- real area;
- real RC technology;
- real money invested in equipment;
- real risk of crash.
3-5 years ago, FPV equipment could only be found on expensive aircraft and multi-rotor aircraft. But with the development of technology, even low-cost UAV models have the opportunity to install such a "filling."
The average cost of inexpensive drones with built-in equipment is about 6,000 rubles. Such aggregates are needed to learn and understand their needs in this matter. They are a trial option before choosing the next, more advanced and expensive FPV radio-controlled aircraft.
The composition of the FPV kit
First Person View in an RC-simulated world is an online broadcast of video data from a PSU camera to the screen of a radio remote control. In other words, she is the eyes of a pilot in the air. Thus, it is possible to observe the scope of the drone, even when it is out of human sight.
The device is equipped with a video transmitter with an antenna and a camera, and the operator on the ground remains with the remote control (receiver), in which the monitor is built-in, or FPV glasses with an integrated receiver.
For some models, you can independently select and install equipment. This gives the pilot the opportunity to choose, most importantly, the receiver and transmitter are compatible.
Inexperienced RC-modelers can purchase UAVs already equipped with an FPV system for an aircraft operating in popular frequency ranges.
Skywalker Falcon YF-0908
This flying wing has a large area sufficient to install all FPV equipment. Due to its light weight, the pilot time increases, and its control is also simplified.
Stylish and functional apparatus is characterized by:
- ergonomic design (length 620 mm with a weight of 520 g);
- stunning wingspan (1340 mm);
- large area for equipment placement;
- ease of piloting.
Installation of equipment is extremely easy and simple. The kit includes glue for connecting parts in four places, after which the wing is ready to launch. Given the low price (about 3300 rubles) Skywalker YF-0908 is an ideal option for a young pilot, and for an advanced ace.
Since this model is produced without equipment, it needs to be understaffed:
- radio equipment (at least 4 channels with DeltaMixing);
- 3s LiPo battery (1500mAh ~ 2200mAh);
- servos (2x9 g);
- brushless motor (2228 1900 KV);
- speed controller 20A ~ 30A w / BEC;
- propeller 6 x 4.
Skywalker Falcon YF-0908 ARF Black
This copter combines functionality, usability and an adequate cost (about 7000 rubles). The flying wing 0908 is a very high-strength unit resistant to shock, falls, collisions and hard landings. Additional wing stiffness is provided by carbon rods.
Skywalker YF-0908 Falcon belongs to the models of SFV-aircraft, which are characterized by:
- A complete set without electronics.
- Ultra-rigid EPO design.
- High stability of flight performance.
- Great FPV platform.
- Easy to launch with your hands.
- Stability in management at all speeds.
- Carbon spars with a fiber density of 3K.
This unit is compatible with radio equipment (from 4 channels with DeltaMixing) and a 1500mAh ~ 2200mAh 3s LiPo battery, which are purchased separately.
Skywalker X8 Black 2122-MM ARF V2
Those who prefer the most advanced equipment and have a large budget will certainly enjoy this FPV aircraft. Although its price is almost 23,000 rubles, it's worth it. A stylish model with a wingspan of more than two meters can soar for a long time above the ground due to the mounted capacitive batteries.
Inside the drone is a large and spacious compartment that holds all the necessary equipment. Niches for the camera, antenna and other little things are located separately.
This easy-to-assemble unit is equipped with:
- fuselage;
- consoles and keels of wings;
- brushless motor (1000KV / 700W) and a regulator for it;
- two digital Corona DS-239HV 4.6kg / 22g servers with metal gears;
- folding plastic screw 12 x 6 with a spinner for batteries;
- plastic mounts of consoles, keels and engine mounts;
- two carbon tubes for mounting wing consoles;
- mounts for installing magnets of the housing cover, mounting the chassis and motor;
- rods and "hogs" for installation on elevons;
- two tubes of glue for assembly.
Step-by-step UAV manufacturing scheme
There are various options for home-based FPV aircraft. With your own hands it can be done in just a day, half of which will be spent on drying the unit. The conceived model is capable of carrying about 400 g of additional weight.
The preparatory process includes the following steps:
- Purchase packaging polystyrene ceiling tiles.
- Download model drawings from the Internet and print them.
- Gluing all the sheets of the drawing with adhesive tape along the red stripes indicating the joints of the sheets, and cutting them out with scissors.
- Cutting the wing (four blanks) according to the scheme. To do this, polystyrene tiles must first be glued in two layers.
- Gluing pine laths to give rigidity to the future product.
- Bonding blanks to each other in two pairs.
- Making the nose of an airplane. The length of one tile is not enough for this - you need to divide it into two parts and make two such blanks, fastening the incision with tape.
- Cutting two “semi-tail” fragments, each of which is bilayer. That is, the result is four blanks.
- Gluing the batten into the wing by cutting through the workpiece and inserting the batten inward. Top part is sealed with tape.
- Harvesting the crossbar of the tail and upper part of the nose by cutting and pasting in two layers.
- Bonding of all prepared fragments among themselves.
FPV aircraft assembly
After printing the drawing and cutting out the details, you should check whether all the work has been completed accurately and whether all the fragments from the diagram have been prepared. Then you can proceed with the assembly of the unit in the following sequence:
- Wing assembly. To make the model more stable, it is recommended to make a minor V wing. First, the halves should be glued with adhesive tape, folded in half and walk along the edges with glue. "Titan" is quite suitable. For greater strength, you can strengthen the wing with a piece of polystyrene tile or stick a ruler.
- The manufacture of the motor site. It is necessary to cut out three blanks in the form of squares from the drawing, glue them together and add a piece of plywood. The motor is screwed to it with the screws that secure the servos.
- Fuselage equipment. The resulting design should be hung on the end of the housing template and glued foam triangles for better fixation of the motor. Then follows the cutting out of the battery compartment. The horizontal part of the casing is a shelf for installing the camera, similarly glued with triangles.
- Work with the tail. In semi-tail billets, it is necessary to make cuts and glue the crossbar into them. Then the tail should be glued to the wing, avoiding distortions. The wing pattern, which shows the places of gluing, will help here. For a snug fit of the tail to the wing, the butt joints are cut with a knife slightly at an angle.
- The final stage of assembly. It involves gluing the fuselage to the wing. To avoid folding the wings, it is recommended to back it with carbon fiber pipes or pine slats. Then a propeller is attached to the model, and taxiing is installed on the wing by planting them on the hinges and pulling the rods. The last glued servo and all electronics.
A self-made model of the FPV aircraft is ready.
Conclusion
Of course, radio-controlled aircraft with FPV-system is a great option for a fun and interesting pastime. You can purchase a ready-made device in a suitable price category, or you can assemble it yourself. It requires perseverance and diligence, but the result is worth it.