discord server : https://discord.gg/rtFu4ADm9m
This project is a 3d printed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) fixed-wing UAV with FPV (First Person View)
It combines quad lift motors for vertical flight ( kinda like a drone ) but with a additional forward propulsion motor for efficient cruise.
I built this project to learn how to properly design, build a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Aircraft)
- High-wing configuration
- 3d printed fuselage and wings (97% of the plane is 3d printed)
- Quad vertical lift motors for VTOL capability
- Nose-mounted motor for cruise propulsion
- V tail configuration
- Back fin designed for stability in forward flight at moderate speed
- easy access for mounting servo in the fuselage thanks to a BWD CAN and a FWD canopy
i made it to be or have :
- Stable hover and smooth transition to forward flight
- High structural stiffness with minimal weight
- Efficient cruise performance
- Predictable aerodynamic behavior at low Reynolds numbers
- Modular fuselage for maintenance and upgrades
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Wingspan: 1300 mm
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Wing Area: 0.286 m²
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Aspect Ratio: 5.9
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Wing Loading: 7.0 kg/m² (≈ 68.5 N/m²)
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Estimated Stall Speed: ~35 km/h (≈ 9.7 m/s)
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Cruise Speed (est.): ~72 km/h (20 m/s)
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Cruise Lift Coefficient (CL @ 20 m/s): ~0.28
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Reynolds Number (@ cruise): ~300,000
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Airfoil: Semi-Symmetrical (Cambered SS)
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Estimated Weight: 2046 g (~20 N)
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Fuselage Length: 888 mm
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Max Fuselage Diameter: 273 mm
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Lift Motors: 4 × A2212 1000KV
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Max Thrust (VTOL total): ~3.2 kg
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VTOL Thrust-to-Weight Ratio: ~1.6
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Hover Endurance (est.): 4-6 minutes
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Cruise Motor: 1 × A2212 1000KV
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Cruise Power Consumption (est.): ~100 W
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Estimated Cruise Endurance: ~14–15 minutes
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Battery: 3S 2200mAh 30C (~24 Wh usable energy)
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ESC: 30A (all motors)
- Flight Controller: DakeFPV F722 X6 (any F7 class FC compatible)
- GPS : HGRLC M-100
- ESC : generic 30amp
- FPV : generic one off aliexpress
the Firmware thats going to run is Inav its a lightweight program that is capable of autonomously flying the UAV to pre-programmed waypoint or loiter ( always wanted to do this imagine letting go of the transmitter and the plane continue to fly itself thats literally magic )
- Download and install INAV Configurator from the official GitHub release page.
- Install the appropriate USB drivers for your flight controller (CP210x, STM32 VCP, or DFU drivers depending on the board).
- Connect the flight controller (FC) to your PC using a USB-C cable.
- Wait for the operating system to recognize the device.
- Confirm that a new COM port appears in your device manager.
- If required, hold the BOOT button on the FC while plugging in the USB cable.
- Alternatively, use the “Reboot to Bootloader” option inside INAV Configurator (if firmware is already present).
- Open INAV Configurator.
- Go to the Firmware Flasher tab.
- Select the correct target for your flight controller (verify the exact board name printed on the FC).
- Select the desired firmware version (use the latest stable release unless specific testing is required).
- Enable Full chip erase (recommended for clean installations).
- Click Load Firmware Online.
- Click Flash Firmware.
- Wait until flashing is complete. Do not disconnect power during this process.
- After flashing, reconnect to the FC.
- Apply default settings.
- Configure board alignment if necessary.
- Calibrate the accelerometer.
- Set up ports (UART configuration for receiver, GPS, etc.).
- Configure receiver protocol.
- Configure motor outputs and mixer type (VTOL / fixed wing as required).
- Set failsafe parameters.
- Save and reboot.
- Confirm sensor functionality (gyro, accelerometer, barometer, GPS if installed).
- Verify receiver inputs respond correctly.
- Check motor output order and direction (remove propellers before testing).
- Perform a final configuration backup.
attention! Firmware flashing and configuration must always be done without propellers installed to prevent accidental motor startup.
Q: Can this plane really hover like a drone?
A: Yes, the quad lift motors provide vertical takeoff and stable hover.
Q: How difficult is the hover-to-cruise transition?
A: It’s one of the trickiest parts. Proper PID tuning in iNav and smooth throttle control are key to avoiding instability.
Q: Can I use a different flight controller?
A: Yes, any controller that supports VTOL and iNav or Ardupilot firmware should work (and have 8 signal pins), though wiring and mounting may need adjustments.
Q: How long does it take to assemble?
A: Printing and assembly can take several days (or weeks!), depending on your 3D printing setup and experience.
Q: Is it possible to carry a camera payload?
A: Small FPV cameras work fine. =)
Q: Can I scale the design larger or smaller?
A: Yes, but aerodynamics and weight distribution change with scale. Lift motors may need different thrust ratings.
Q: How do you troubleshoot vibrations from the motor arms?
A: good carbon fiber tube is enough check for any error in the manufacturing side
Q: How safe is the plane for beginners?
A: It’s moderately advanced. Beginners should test hover flights in a wide, open area and start with short, low-altitude hops.
Q: What kind of maintenance is required?
A: Regularly check motor screws, propeller condition, and servo linkages. easy access panels in the fuselage makes replacing parts faster.
Q: Can the firmware do autonomous flight?
A: Yes, iNav can handle waypoint navigation and loitering, letting the plane fly itself once configured correctly.
- Drag from exposed lift motors during cruise
- Structural vibration and resonance of motor arms ( simulation )
- Stable hover-to-cruise transition ( hard )
- Accurate CG placement ( moderate )
| Component | Specification | Quantity | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Set of motor, ESC, and propellers | A2212 1000KV / 30A ESC / 23cm props | 4 | $64.01 | AliExpress |
| FPV | Camera with VTX and goggle | 1 | $86.94 | AliExpress |
| Telemetry | LoRa LR02 ASR6601 (10 km range) | 1 | $25.63 | AliExpress |
| Servo | SG90 (360°) | 5 | $8.78 | AliExpress |
| Carbon Fiber Tube | 9x7x500 mm | 4 | $14.55 | AliExpress |
| Servo Rods | 19 cm, 1.2 mm | 20 | $4.85 | AliExpress |
| Copper Wire (signal & FC) | 10 m, 26 AWG, yellow | 1 | $3.97 | AliExpress |
| Copper Wire (batteries) | 10 m, 16 AWG, black | 1 | $13.83 | AliExpress |
| Magnet | 3mmx1mm | 50 | $6.94 | AliExpress |
| Square tube carbon fiber | 10x10x8.5mm 500mm | 2 | $16.7 | AliExpress |
| Dupont line (connectors) | 10cm 3 kind | 120 | $5.07 | AliExpress |
| Printing legion | shipping from india to morocco | 1 | $25 |
i already own 1 flightcontroller , 1 motor , 1 esc , 1 battery, 1 gps , 1 receiver and transmitter
A big thanks to Hack Club and Blueprint for making this possible without them, all these project would been just a .step file
also i want to thank the Reviewers who are doing an incredible job, kudos !
