Ummm... lots of crashing! Maiden flights can be painful.
This week I flew the Solar Prototype on it's maiden flights. Sadly, it was the worst airplane I think I've ever made! I had to use the APM's stabilize flight mode just to get it in the air, and then it quickly crashed 35ft into a tree.
I learned a lot from this attempt, specifically that I needed some kind of roll control via dihedral or ailerons, and that a 10cm (4in) is too small of a chord for this wing at this speed.
I may be on vacation next week (I'll be right back!!!) but meanwhile I'll be getting a new wing and doing some additional research. A new plane will be built!
-Trent
Follow the mission and learn more on: http://www.mygeekshow.com/24-hour-solar-uav/
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