Nomad, an FPV/UAV 3D printed airplane.

cults3d

Update May 15th, 2015 - I've uploaded the file NomadUAV_MkI.zip, which contains the original 3D Max scene file with all components. This is the first ready-to-fly version of the plane; you can download the STL files and print your own now. Notice that I swapped out the inverted V-tail for a standard one - while I still want to try the inverted design on the fiberglass model, it's better suited for the printed version to keep the tail clear of the ground during landing. I've included an OBJ file with the original mesh for all parts, so anyone can modify them as they see fit or create new designs. Many parts need to be subdivided before exporting the STL file; please check the original STL files for reference. Here's a video of the maiden flight: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf5Z83dHrow This is the Nomad, a brand-new design I'm working on for travel UAV/FPV airplanes. This version boasts a wingspan of nearly one meter, making it relatively compact. Once I've completed and test-flown this model, I plan to create a 30/50% larger version to accommodate a GoPro camera in the nose for aerial photography. The airplane is designed with modularity in mind; the nose and tail sections are connected to the center section using nylon screws, while the wings and stabilizers are detachable. Even the wing panels can be printed separately to simplify repairs and test new design ideas. Some key design considerations: * Wing sections should be printed in "Spiral Vase" mode, with internal spars or printing settings adjusted so that the printing head creates the spars by moving from the bottom up until they touch the inner surface of the top wing, resulting in only one seam at the bottom. * I've carefully modeled the fuselage parts to print as a two-perimeter shell using a 0.3mm nozzle, except where more thickness is needed. * The wings require two carbon fiber tubes - 8 and 3 mm diameter, respectively - while the stabilizer uses a single 3mm carbon fiber tube spar. * The plane will utilize one brushless motor mounted on the tail with a 6" propeller.