Coyote III - Long Range FPV Cruiser
The Coyote III is the latest generation of my FPV Long Range cruiser.
It's an incredibly capable plane with a flight controller. After an easy auto launch into a loiter, you've got a plane in cruise mode that will cover and incredible amount of ground and an endurance that may surprise you. The views are unobstructed and spectacular, and the plane in cruise is remarkably quiet from the ground allowing you to explore unnoticed. The fuselage's cardboard construction does not affect RF transmission or GPS reception, so even with internally mounted antennas you'll have the full range of your RC or FPV system. The FPV's video antenna is at the front of the aircraft, and the RC system's antennas are in the tail. I mount my GPS receiver on my flight controller ensuring all three RF systems have plenty of separation to minimize interference.
Incorporating user feedback, the Coyote III was redesigned with a 150mm longer wing from earlier versions to facilitate easier launches, slower approaches and shorter landings.
What it still retains is it's remarkable efficiency - on a 4s 5000mah li-ion pack you'll easily cruise for well over an hour with reserves.
The open nose allows for mounting of your FPV or camera systems, and unobstructed views. Plenty of airflow keeps cameras, batteries, and flight controllers from overheating even in the hottest of the Arizona summers.
Designed for a flight controller, yet it will fly well with a simple receiver. Designed for flight controllers to be mounted aft so that their USB port is accessible via the vent between the elevons making for easy software updates and configuration changes.
The build process is simple. The wing is my folded wing design incorporating a carbon fiber spar in the leading edge for additional strength. The simple fuselage is designed to snugly fit a 4S 21700 battery pack, a flight controller between the elevons, two 9 gram servos for the elevons, and the motor and ESC at the back. FPV or camera gear mounts from the top hatch using a swappable camera / VTX mount. All the avionics can be tested an configured before the wing or propeller are attached. CG is marked under the wing, and a dot of hot glue on those marks makes it easy to find and ensure balance in the field.
My builds typically use a 2205-2300kv motor as the motor mounts is designed for a 16mm X 19mm M2.5 pattern. The ESC is mounted externally on the motor mount allowing for plenty of airflow for cooling.
The cardboard is durable, and easy to repair or replace. I've landed out in the desert on dirt and rocks, on grass, paved roads, and into the occasional bush. The camera is mounted high enough it should be out of harms way unless you land it into a rock. The propeller will survive as long as you come completely off the power before touching down. Any small nicks can be dressed and balanced. I don't find myself replacing props very often.
Hot glue holds everything together, and 90% isopropyl alcohol will remove the hot glue, separate your parts, and evaporate without a trace. Rebuilds recycling existing avoinics and power systems into a new airframe can be done in under an hour.
I travel for a living - and I've sent these airframes as unbuilt kits to my destination on multiple occasions. Carry your electronics in your baggage and build them up in your hotel room with a small glue gun or with craft glue. I'll fly them while I'm on the road, and then tear out the electronics and recycle the airframe before I head home. There's something to be said about inexpensive, flat packed aircraft.
Respect it's CG limits, secure your equipment, and fly within your abilities - you're going to love it. If you're careful with your processes, use common sense, and methodical in your pre-flights - she'll serve you well and reward you with reliable, enjoyable flights time after time.
Even with a wall full of planes to choose from - this is the one I choose 99% of the time because of the simple joy it brings me and its balance of capability and convenience.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
bt
RETURN & REFUND POLICY
Returns accepted. Refunds given for returned, unused kits containing all parts, and in a resaleable condition. Purchaser responsible for return shipping. Not responsible for errors in workmanship during assembly, or damage to persons or property during use.
Terms of Sale and Disclaimer
Files are licensed for individual use only. No resale of files or kits based on what is offered here without a commercial license. Contact me for resale or commercial licensing.
Do not post these files online or otherwise share them. It discourages creators from wanting to share their work. I've put countless hours into this stuff.
I'm a dude in a garage with a laser cutter and a 3d printer. I'm selling you some cut cardboard and 3d printed plastic bits or files defining parts and planes. What you do with it is up to you. I take no responsibility for your actions or any damages you cause, or injuries you or anyone else sustains - building, flying or disposing of this stuff. There is no warranty for any fitness for use or performance guarantee.
This kit requires you to think for yourself, do research, and collaborate with others to get something working that you like. There are no written instructions - and marginal support at best. Either way - I've got faith in you. You can do this.
Kit Contents
The kits come with all the laser cut parts for the airframe, the motor mounts, the carbon fiber rod for the wing spar, flight control horns, FPV mounts, and the vent latch. You'll have to fabricate or secure your flight controller, GPS and receiver. You'll need to do your own wiring, and fabricate your own flight control push rods. Kits contain no electronics - you'll need to buy your own RC systems, flight controllers, servos, GPS, ESC, motors, propeller and anything else you need to complete your aircraft. Photos of completed aircraft are for example purposes only.