Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
With the popularity of the Nitro Predator RQ-1 UAV, which is a brushless pusher prop, some indepth searching resulted in an unusual and unexpected find. The Global Hawk UAV, powered by an EDF, is available at www.sonicelectric.com. Chirs Hornby, the noted RC pilot from the UK, and myself decided that we just had to get the Global Hawk and start this build. We hope that this project between the US and UK will be entertaining and informative, as well. So, by jove, let's get this off to a jolly good start!!!!! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh............Yeahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!
< Message edited by papajeff -- 3/13/2008 11:46:51 PM >
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Joined: 3/14/2008 From: Seabrook, TX, USA Status: offline
Great. I am only half way through my predator FPV build that I decided to do after I saw your great build up of that... so I will have to plan on getting the Global Hawk now... I can transfer all the electronics over to the global hawk if/when I crash the predator.
Looking forward to it!
I will post pix of my predator on that thread when the avionics come in... seems everything is on back order, but its going to have 900mhz video, co-pilot wing leveler and a Dragon ODS with autopilot return to origin.
Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Finally, some photos of the basic Global Hawk EDF. Again, www.sonicelectric.com is the link. I was surprised to see a minimum of parts; two fuselage halves, the canopy, two main wings, two elevons, fixed wire landing gear with wheels, wing attachment plate, two fiberglass wing tubes, EDF unit with cover and a small parts bag. The EPS foam was well done and the grey color was already applied.
< Message edited by papajeff -- 3/20/2008 10:32:00 PM >
Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
The rear "V" tail (elevons) fit into pre-made openings in the rear of the fuselage and it looks like it will take a little sanding to perfect the fit. The canopy, actually just a foam piece which is part of the unusual shaped nose, fits nice and snug and will be easy to remove to install the battery once at the field. In addition, the equipment bay is large enough to house the electronics with room to spare for battery movement to set the proper CG.
< Message edited by papajeff -- 3/20/2008 10:49:36 PM >
Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
I plan on using the Himax HB2815 inrunner (275 watts...25A...2000kv...40,000RPM) which should produce about 140W/lb. which is more than enough power for scale like flight. The cradle for the EDF unit has already been incorporated into the mold of each fuselage half and the attachment parts are two plastic rails which fit perfectly in place.
< Message edited by papajeff -- 3/20/2008 11:10:09 PM >
Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Chris Hornby, co-contributor of this build from the UK, has stated the following concern about the Global Hawk; "I was a bit concerned about the fan because the housing tunnel is not clean thru and there would appear to be plenty of opportunity for turbulence and consequently power loss, but we'll see when it all goes together." Chris makes a good point regarding his observation of the EDF tunnel. The attached photos may show this.
Posts: 419
Joined: 8/25/2004 From: Rochester,
NY, USA Status: offline
Yes, the intake and the exhaust lengths of the actual EDF tunnel are, in fact, very short. Yet, I am reminded of a Bobcat style airframe that was converted to EDF power and the EDF unit had no intake or exhaust tubes, at all. It was just attached to the airplane exactly where the pusher motor had been and the Bobcat flew just fine. Like Chris has said, "We shall see, as our build progresses."
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Global Hawk UAV - EDF - 
