A very stable aircraft is important in UAV design and construction. Originally we had proposed purchasing and building the very popular GWS Slow Stick that has helped many beginners start their journey into the world of Radio Control airplanes. Being basically a stick this airplane would lend itself well to attaching sensors and other cool “stuff”. But…
After researching, it seems as though the Slow Stick is not the greatest platform since it only utilizes a three channel control system. Each radio control channel gives you proportional control over one aspect of the aircraft while in flight; in the case of the slow stick throttle, rudder, and elevator are the three controls available. Throttle controls the speed of the airplane, elevator controls the pitch of the nose, and the rudder on the Slow Stick (due to the large amount of dihedral) has both an effect on the roll and yaw of the airplane. We decided that we would like to have individual and finer control over the roll and yaw axes of the airplane in flight. This would require at least a custom wing, or a different platform…
The Flying Gator
Wingspan: 62″
Wing Chord (front to back): 12″
Sneak Peek of the Flying Gator
Here is a quick look at a picture of the wing seated on the fuselage. The wing is all foam construction with a full length wood spar, and carbon fiber/ wood leading edge. More construction details will follow with pictures!