Build your own RC Scale UAV

Are you wondering how you can get your own drone based project or business in the air affordably?  Mesa, Arizona based Thorpe Seeop Corporation, with nearly 30 years experience manufacturing and operating drones, is making truly affordable programs and drones to help Universities, Colleges, small Research and Development organizations and even small startup companies have their own drones.

Everyone knows about the use of drones by the military.  But the military is NOT the only ones flying.  Now, you don’t have to be the military, or even a high budget research program like NASA to fly drones.  Now, you can have your own affordable drones in support of your startup company or your research or education programs.

Also, you may have business opportunities, research or education applications from flying a unique electronics payload to flying data acquisition missions for a civil engineering infrastructure project.  You might have a research contract with application to law enforcement, disaster relief, agriculture, tornado monitoring or other research projects.  Even student built and flown education projects can have completion and success assurance while remaining realistically affordable.

Thorpe Seeop offers “build it yourself” plans and kits for the most frugal of budgets, to almost ready to fly (ARF Kits) or full up, turnkey flying drone systems. You can pick and choose from their extensive list of Thorpe Seeop air vehicles by visiting www.seeop.com or calling them at (480) 262-1051.  Thorpe will provide an Information Packet for people on how to start their own drone based research project or business for $150.  They also provide plans for various drones at just $250.  If you prefer kits, Thorpe has drone kits available starting at $2,200 and Almost Ready to Fly “ARF” Kits starting at $6,000.  This approach allows people of all budgets the flexibility to start their own drone business or perform their research project affordably and on time using aircraft with a proven record.

For Further Information, please call: Douglas Thorpe President, Thorpe Seeop Corporation 480.262.1051 thorpe@seeop.com

Source : http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/06/04/build-your-own-rc-scale-uav/

Pilot Projects: 1914 Ingram Foster [July 2012]

1914 Ingram Foster: Doug enlarged Pat Tritle’s plans to build this 1914 Ingram Foster pusher biplane.  The model has fabric-covered surfaces, pull-pull cables on all controls, is powered by a Saito .65 four stroke.  The 7.5-pound bipe looks like a great flyer!

Doug Bromley – Tulsa, OK

For more Pilot Projects and on how to send your projects in, check out page 20 of April’s issue of Model Airplane News.

Source : http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/06/01/pilot-projects-1914-ingram-foster-july-2012/

50% Off Deal Of The Week: Advance Aerobatics Made Easy

This high-definition DVD is our hottest yet and includes every maneuver you need to know to become an advanced airshow pilot! Plus, national Aerobatic champion John Glezellis demonstrates competition-level 3D moves that will floor you. Advanced Aerobatics Made Easy picks up where our first Aerobatics Made Easy DVD left off. Advanced maneuvers such as 8-point rolls, the shark’s tooth, inverted harriers and much more are all here captured in high definition including in-flight footage for “from the cockpit” point of view. John’s step-by-step pro setup tips, flight instructions, and 3D secrets will make you the local Hotshot Pilot!

Click Here To Watch Trailer

Source : http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/06/01/50-off-deal-of-the-week-advance-aerobatics-made-easy/

The Radio Control Show – Episode 161

This week’s episode features the E-Flite Blade 450x.  Remember to become a fan of The Radio Control Show Facebook Page, and become a follower on Twitter for the latest updates.

The Radio Control Show (Facebook)

@RCShow (Twitter)

Source : http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/06/01/the-radio-control-show-episode-161/

Static Scale Hamilton Standard 3-blade propeller — Part 7

Well we finally finished this beautiful scale accessory. When it comes to scale RC planes, the biggest thing that ruins the scale looks of the plane is the smaller than scale flying propeller. Many warbird pilots will at least paint their props the correct color and add the yellow safety prop tips, but if you really want to get maximum attention, nothing beats a static scale (non-flying) propeller. I started this build-along series with the stock 3-blade Hamilton Standard kit from Nick Ziroli Plans and added a scratch built hub assembly for some added eye candy. Here’s how we put all the parts together.

(Above) There’s two ways to go here. Make your prop blades removable for easy storage and transport, or glue everything together. I glued everything as over time the removable blades wear and can get damaged. Gluing everything together also means you won’t lose anything.

The first thing to do is to drill into the base ends of the the blades with a 1/4-inch drill bit. Drill in about an inch or so and try to drill the hole straight along the blade’s centerline. Now cut three lengths of 1/4-inch birch dowels.

(Above) In the center of each blade socket, drill a matching hole in the wood core piece inside the hub assembly. This does not have to be extremely precise as you can enlarge a hole a little if the dowel does not match up perfectly.

 

(Above) On the back of each blade and its matching socket, place a mark so you can match each blade after you fit it and the support dowel into place.

(Above) Here you see each of the blades fitted into the hub. Make sure they all seat down firmly into the socket and that they are inline with the hub in side view. They should all set in the same disc plane.

(Above) Remove each blade and apply some 20 minute epoxy to the dowel, inside the socket and the base of the blade. Reinsert the blade into the hub and use the Ziroli kit supplied pitch gauge to set the angle of the blade. Now let dry before your move on to the other two blades. If any of the epoxy drips out of the joint, wipe it away with a paper towel and some alcohol. Let the whole prop assembly setup for a couple hours before moving.

(Above) Once the epoxy has completely set, you can mist on a couple light coats of matt or semi matt clear to seal everything. This will help the decals last longer and if you want to do some fine weathering with silver or dark gray and brown to pick out some of the details, the clear will seal the weathering in.  Let the clear coat dry over night in a dust free area or with a large box placed over it to protect the finish!

That’s it! The new 3-blade static scale propeller is ready to hang on my new giant scale Top Flite Corsair! Oh yea, I got to build it first! Stay tubed, I will post a photo of the finished assembly when the plane is done!

To see the entire prop build-along, click this link: http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/04/26/scale-3-blade-propellers-building-a-ziroli-static-scale-kit/ 

Assembly Tip: Since the hole through the hub was enlarged to fit my DLE 55cc gas engine, the smaller hole and dowel in the nose cone don’t fit. I made a small top hat shaped plug to fit into the larger hole in the hub and slip into the smaller hole in the nose cone. This automatically centers the nose cone when I glued it into place.

Source : http://www.modelairplanenews.com/blog/2012/06/01/static-scale-hamilton-standard-3-blade-propeller-part-7/