Skipjack - Autonomous Small Cargo
The Skipjack was designed for autonomy.
It can carry a small payload, but it originated as I was testing the autoland features of various flight control software. I wanted a small, robust aircraft to repeatedly fly autolaunch sequences, and then have them immediately return to autoland so software changes could be made quickly.
With a flight controller mounted between the elevons, and it's USB port readily available, this aircraft was perfect to quickly determine optimal settings.
However once the training was done, it proved itself yet again by acting as an airborne repeater for mesh radio (meshtastic / meshcore) airborne nodes. Other days found data logging ESP32's flying to map wifi data. It was just a handy plane to have around.
Quick to build and robust, I've put over a hundred landings on this design, and I keep coming back to it when I want a quick testbed.
It still flies frequently, and I can easily install one of my self contained FPV systems on the hatch and have it flying with an external camera.
With a 4S 21700 5000mah battery pack - endurance is well over an hour.
Despite it's simple structure, it's robust, flies well, and keeps earning it's keep flying with different experiments either mounted to it or internally.
I hope this design has something to help you with as well.
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.