Search and rescue Y6 scratch build

[corvidae]

Hi all, been a busy few months, but I just finished my major project for final year at university, and would appreciate some feedback and constructive criticism!



Basically, I designed a Y6 for SAR use, focussing on making it simple to build and repair and hard to kill. It';s about 605mm diameter, and a shade over 3kg ready to fly. The airframe is made from laser cut 3mm acetal and 15mm square aluminium tube. I designed it so it would fold up, making it easier to transport (will be even easier with QR props, I used Aeronauts for flight testing though. Basically, the legs interlock through the arms, holding it solid for flying, but when removed the arms can fold backover. The shell is vac-formed HIPS, way too thick to be honest, but for future models I';ll be using thin polycarbonate like an RC car bodyshell.



Spec-wise, I used Turnigy 4225 610kVs, Afro 30A optos, Aeronaut CAMcarbon Light 12x5s, and it';s controlled by a Pixhack. It';s got a Emax night vision camera and 25mW vtx (and a MinimOSD). Using 2 5200 42 Multistar LiPo packs, I';m getting flight times around 20-25 min and the data logs are showing maximum speeds of 60kph (though I actually have a load of Aeronaut 13x6s to use which will probably improve speed and endurance further).




There';s a lot of things I';d have loved to have done if I';d had more time, but hey. I';d love to hear any comments/feedback/constructive criticism that I could use to take the project forward (definitely gonna be working on it after I graduate). Thanks!

[Cheredanine]

Given the role, is it weather proofed?

[corvidae]

Given the role, is it weather proofed?

That was the biggest thing I ran out of time on, the shell as it is gives a bit of protection but it really has to be fully weatherproofed. I';d also like to come up with a way of swapping batteries which can be done in a downpour; again, something that needs much more time to develop than I had for the project.

[Cheredanine]

Woukd have though a better thermal camera on underslung gimble would be helpful

Possibly some sort of modular cargo capability to carry a water bottle, thermal blanket or a radio would have been useful with more time

[hoverfly]

Looking a bit good already.   60 kph  is impressive.
Look forward to future development 

[atomiclama]

Possibly some sort of modular cargo capability to carry a water bottle, thermal blanket or a radio

Anybody else got the Thunderbirds theme going through their head. ::)

[Area21]

Really impressive. You have engineered in good redundantcies which the CAA will like such as the number of counter rotating props and twin batteries. 👍🏻