Scratch Built Plane with GoPro

by RotoRex | August 30, 2012 | (15) Posted in Projects

Inspiration Behind the Project

Two years ago I decided that I wanted a plane for the sole purpose of taking aerial videos. At the time the camcorder I had available was a three quarter pound beast. I had been carrying this camera on my e-flite apprentice, but was only getting side shots because I didn't want the prop in my shot. After a lot of time spent thinking about it and a few sketches, I came up with this:

The plane flies well but it is massive. The plane has a 64 inch wingspan and is not very easy to transport. Overall, the plane is great for large areas and it has the camera view that I wanted, but it just wasn't practical.

A while after building this plane I got a GoPro, which is much lighter than my three quarter pound beast of a camcorder. So, I went back to the drawing board to come up with a design for a plane that was smaller, easy to transport and still had a obstacle free foreword facing camera view. 

Features of the New Design

Using Google Sketchup to put my ideas into something tangible I came up with a plane that had a three foot wingspan and a fuselage that had a "arm" that reached under the prop and gave a location to mount the GoPro. Bellow are a few pictures of the finished product.

To mount the camera to the plane I used one of the GoPro's flat bottom sticky attachments. I also added two countersunk screws to secure the camera to the plane.

The landing gear is made out of a 1/8" diameter steel rod that I got from Lowes. To make the landing gear I bent two pieces of rod and then fastened them together using fishing line and CA glue. 

The plane also incorporates a light weight carbon fiber tail boom. The tube's inner diameter is large enough to allow the servo lines to be fed though the tail boom to the fuselage.

Another unique feature about this plane is its flex fit hatch. It is made out of a 1/16" thick piece of balsa ply that flexes to hold itself in place.

Specs

The plane uses: a e-flite 30 amp ESC, Hacker A30-22s V2 motor with a 7 x 5 prop, 4 hextronic 9g servos, a Hyperion 2100 MAH 3 cell LiPo, and a Spectrum AR6115e.

Conclusions

The plane flies extremely well, better than I could have ever hoped for. I have also been experimenting with some gyro stabilization for windy days. Overall I am very pleased with how it turned out. 

Want to Build One Like It?

If you are interested in building one for yourself, I have a structurally accurate sketchup model of the plane that I can send you. Just send me a PM. 

COMMENTS

Sirglider on October 2, 2012
What about the balance of the plane? Added some lead? And what flight time do you get with your 2100mAh LiPo?
Do you have an other video seeing it flying, from the outside :P?

Thanks for all
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RotoRex on October 2, 2012
The plane balances without any additionally added weight. The battery pack is located as far back in the fuse as it can go (right up to the tail boom). With the camera and motor on front it balances perfectly. I fly for about 9-10 minutes per battery. But I am being pretty conservative. I do have a large motor on the plane though and can probably get a max flight time of about 13-14 minutes. As of right now, I don't have an videos of it not from the planes perspective. I have quite a few pictures of it flying though.
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subsonichobby on January 1, 2013
Just started to design a plane.... http://subsonichobby.blogspot.com/2012/12/diy-subsonicdrone-v1.html ... Any advice?
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RotoRex on January 2, 2013
I took a look at it and it looks pretty good. The only advice I have is that if you don't have enough pitch authority you could try moving the tail back some. It looks a little close to the front wing and propeller. Looks good. Keep it up!
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drifter on December 24, 2016
Hi, I very much like your design and would like to build it. Do you still have the Sketchup drawing.
Thanks
Robert
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RotoRex on December 26, 2016
Hey Robert!

I do still have the file. If you give me your email I can send you the file.

Ryan
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Sirglider on October 1, 2012
This is a new concept of plane and a great idea! How is the return of experience with it so far?
I may want to build one as well :D
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RotoRex on October 1, 2012
Thanks. For me it was a good experience building it because I was able to learn from my previous design and make improvements to the wing and such. The plane flies great and I will hopefully be keeping this one flying for a long time. If you want the Google Sketch Up model of it, just send me a pm with your e-mail address in it and I can send you the document.
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RotoRex on October 1, 2012
Thanks. For me it was a good experience building it because I was able to learn from my previous design and make improvements to the wing and such. The plane flies great and I will hopefully be keeping this one flying for a long time. If you want the Google Sketch Up model of it, just send me a pm with your e-mail address in it and I can send you the document.
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Sirglider on October 30, 2012
What do you think about putting 200mm more in the wingspan and flaps on the wing? Could be more comfortable for landing so..

Thanks for your modell, I'm preparing the drawings of mine. Building will start in a couple weeks probably :P
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RotoRex on October 30, 2012
I am doing some experimentation with flaperons and they help out nicely. Hope the build goes well. I would like to see some pictures when your done or while you are building!
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Sirglider on December 3, 2012
Hi Ryan,

So what about the flaps and flaperons experimentation? I'm going on with my design. I finish a glider laying in my workshop and second part of the winter will be building your designed plane :)

Cheers!
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RotoRex on December 3, 2012
Flaperons are working well. They help to slow it down when it is fully loaded. Hope the build goes well.
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kitchin01 on January 18, 2013
Great concept. Great idea. I have a bit of a time with the pusher type plane and to me, nothing beats a tractor but with fpv, of course the prop gets in the way.I did want to take advantage of your offer on the sketch up but am learning to navigate this site and forum.
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RotoRex on January 19, 2013
Yeah. I will send you a PM and I can get the sketch up model to you.
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lidmodelis on March 6, 2013
Looks like very cool FPV plane. I'd like to make one.Could you please send us a Sketch Up? Where I can send you the e-mail?

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vicarious on November 15, 2013
I have a classic easy star like pusher aircraft and its quite noisy.
Whats the noise level compared to easy star and tractor airplane?
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sholtzclaw on November 6, 2013
Ryan, I've been looking for a good design for my Gopro, Could you send me the Sketchup model?
Thanks
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Pascual on June 14, 2015
Hi Ryan, I'm trying to get my article posted but is under "pendig for approval". Any idea of how long that may take? I have uploaded several pics for you to take a look at and get some feedback. Thansks! Pascual
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RotoRex on June 15, 2015
Hey Pascual, It can take around a week or longer depending on how many people are trying to post articles. Looking forward to seeing the pics once the article gets published.

Ryan
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Pascual on June 4, 2015
Hello Ryan,
First of all, congrats for the innovative design!
Let me introduce myself as a new "pilot" and aircraft "builder". However, so far I have not taken off the ground for several reasons, such as wheather and location. The airplanes I built were not good trainers either.
Currently I'm looking for the ultimate application for that purpose - a slow flyer with protected props that allows me to learn. It seems that your design is suitable and extendable for fpv, although I would be required to adjust the plans to adapt lighter dihedral wings.
Would you comment on the flight characteristics of your application as a trainer? Would you be willing to share your SketchUp plans?
Thanks for your contribution.
Pascual
San Francisco, CA

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RotoRex on June 5, 2015
Hey Pascual,

Thanks for liking the design! Here are some answers to your questions.

Fully loaded with a GoPro, this plane has a high wing-loading and would not be very suitable as a trainer. However, the plane is also designed so that the battery can sit in the nose and balance the aircraft without the GoPro. Without the GoPro the wing-loading comes down a bit but I still wouldn't classify its flight characteristics as a trainer. In its current configuration it would be a great second plane.

I can still send you the SketchUp file if you would like. With some modifications of your own (mainly a larger wing to reduce wing loading), I am sure you could make it into a decent trainer.

Ryan
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Pascual on June 8, 2015
Thanks for your reply, Ryan.
All your comments will be taken into account. Tonight I will take some pics and post them, so you can have an idea of the project I'm trying to come up with: a hybrid which features different application to become a trainer. Talk soon!
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Pascual on June 9, 2015
Hey Ryan,
Here I'm trying to upload some pics to give you the sense of what I'm building. It's a hybrid between "The Fish" and you project. Your input will be appreciated.
Pascual
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RotoRex on June 10, 2015
Hey Pascual,

Looking forward to seeing your designs! Can you give me a link to where you post the pics?

Ryan
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Pascual on June 10, 2015
Sure, I have just submitted the article for approval. As soon as I get it uploaded I let you know. Thanks!
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p_cipri on July 14, 2015
Hello. I would be interested in this flight plans. In particular dimensions in mm dimensions not in inches if you can. my e-mail addres is:
p_cipri@yahoo.com

thanks
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Packy on June 21, 2016
Hi Ryan!!! Can i ask you wich is the exact diameter of you carbon tail? Thank you very much!!!
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RotoRex on June 21, 2016
Yep. It is a 3/4 inch outer diameter round carbon tube.

Ryan
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Packy on June 22, 2016
Thank you very much! Can you send me your project file? This is my mail: packy.sr71@gmail.com
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Alikemis on October 19, 2016
Model plane sends:alikemis@gmail.com
Thanks you
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tomtheyeti123 on March 7, 2016
To Ryan, Ive been looking around for a build to incoporporate my gopro and I think your craft looks great. Would you mind send me the plans, if so it would be greatly appreciated. As Im English I also prefer mm, but Im sure I could work in inches! Also what sort of materials did you use for the build?

Cheers
Tom
E: tomtheyeti123@gmail.com
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Packy on July 14, 2016
Hi rayan... What material had you used for the tail? I ask you that because i'd like to put my servo on the tail too but i'm worried that the material i used is too fragile for this purpose (i'm using something like styrofoam)... Thank you for your help!!!
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Krishna on June 9, 2016
Hi.
I am Krishna from India.
I searched a lot for an rc plane to mount a gopro.
There are very few good models and needs to be imported.
Your design is simply amazing.
Please send me the plan / design to krisnatr@gmail.com
Thanks.
Regards.
Krishna.
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RotoRex on June 10, 2016
Hey Krishna,

I sent you an e-mail. Thanks for you interest.

Ryan
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Venividiwiki on April 24, 2017
Hi, I would also like the plans for this plane. I sent a PM in the forum, but have not found the PM link for the main site. Also, what are the materials used for the fuselage and the wings? Thanks for sharing your design!
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R083726 on July 14, 2017
Hello,
this model looks like mine that I did in 2009, you could find videos, drawings, pictures
http://dd806-modelisme.weebly.com/quenlal.html

br


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VagabondCaravans on February 8, 2018
Hi Ryan.

Love your project. If you still have the file could you send it to me.

richarddickin@yahoo.co.nz

Thank
Richard
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om7aum on November 13, 2018
Hi my friend. I know this is an older post, but I'd love to take a look at your sketchup model if you've still got it. Thank you very much.
Miro
mirec.urda@gmail.com


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Mermster on September 18, 2018
I know this is an older post, but I'd love to take a look at your sketchup model if you've still got it.
Thanks!
Matt
matt.bark87@gmail.com
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RotoRex on September 22, 2018
File sent. Enjoy!
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maygun95 on July 30, 2018
maygun905@gmail.com
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Muharrem on October 4, 2017
Very nice fpv plane
Can you send me your project file? This is my mail: muharrem_karakas@msn.com
Thank you
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RotoRex on October 4, 2017
Files sent. Happy Building!
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paulofernando on March 25, 2019
Congratulation my friend, i liked your airplane-model . I'm looking for one with this design. it is possible ! I would like to see the technical drawing it . ( send me picture it) .
Thank you very much.
paulogapi@bol.com.br
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zaky on August 19, 2019
please give me plan, my email :
zikiryangbanyak@gmail.com
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Antattack on September 10, 2019
Hi.
I love the design. Is it still possible to get a copy of the Sketchup files please?
My email is tony@nettc.uk
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_maddy_ on November 20, 2019
I like to know where to contact you.!!
i couldnt find your email ID
i wish to get the detailed design.!!
kindly send me the details to selvavindhan4@gmail.com

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_maddy_ on November 22, 2019
IF FLITETEST HAVE THE ABOVE SAID DESIGN KINDLY PUT IT UP IN UR CART SO WE CAN DOWNLOAD
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e20009 on February 11, 2022
Hi
Can you sand me plana please.
cemertas1@hotmail.com
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e20009 on February 11, 2022
Hi
Can you send me plans please.
cemertas1@hotmail.com
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Scratch Built Plane with GoPro