I am working on a UAV for a project at my school along with 4 other friends. We have the computer/gps/ camera figured out but i am still not sure on the plane. Was wondering what the average 60 size trainer could haul around. I am estimating at least 3 extra pounds of weight. 1 pounds for the computer, 1 pound for batteries, and 1 extra pound for fuel (need to get at least 40 minutes of flight time). We are thinking mag 91 on the hobbico mk11 60 trainer. Any thaughts? Also thinking of using the FMA co-pilot to assist the computer and keep it steady for the camera.

Thanks
Cameron

You should be able to get 3 extra pound in the air. Just remember to keep the same center of gravity as whithout your computer and gps and fuel, don't just shove it in.

Electrolight

Make sure you check into any FAA requirements for a UAV.

Sounds like you need a Sig Kadet Senior or Senior Telemaster. Both are proven to be good load haulers and stable platforms.

Hogflyer

as far as flight time consider going 4 stroke or gasoline/ignition as fuel compsumption is less than 2 stroke glow

Ditto on hogflyer and aerowoof's posts. The Kadet Sr, has a big fuse, huge wing and low wing loading, as does the big Telemaster. Both have very forgiving and docile flight characteristics, and are probably the most popular video and towing platforms. If you're going to add that kind of weight and want endurance, I'd go with a G-23 Zenoah. Fairly small, it will have the needed power for the airframe and weight, it is very frugal with fuel, and since it has a magneto ignition, doesn't need an ignition battery. As long as it has fuel, it will run. 18 ounces of gas at moderate throttle settings will get you more than your 40 minutes flight time.

One thought on the Senior, with that size gas engine, you can turn as big as a 16 inch prop, more thrust per rpm, but the tricycle gear would probably not give enough ground clearance. The Telemaster is already a tail dragger, and would probably have the necessary clearance, or you could convert the Senior.

OR--- The larger, 110 size Sig Rascal would be another choice, I've seen one fly for 45 minutes with a G-26 and 18 oz of gas. It's more $$ but would make a good platform for your purposes; it flies as easily as the other two, but also has better speed and performance and will also fly very slow if needed.

Here is a Telemaster even bigger than the Sr Telemaster.

http://www.hobby-lobby.com/telemaster12.htm

Talk about a load carrier and DESIGNED for a gas engine.

Great ideas guys
The only thing holding me back with the g23 is i have no experience with gasoline engines (just nitro) and funds are limited. What do you guys think on the FMA copilot for stabalization?

Missleman, thanks for the heads up. I will check the FAA requirments. Although, we are only going to be 100 or so ft in the air. I can't remeber the name of the compitition we are entering it in. Should be cool though.

Thanks Again

The only bad thing I have heard about FMA is if you are flying in an area with alot of hill or nearby mountains, it can throw off the FMA and cause problems. FMA works by sensing the horizon and if it sees hills, high trees ect.. it will fool it.
If you are flying in a flat terrain you should have no problems.
I have heard FMA can even take you from inverted to right side up and strait and level flight.
The other problem you may have is stick input overides FMA, so your computer would have to submit control for it to work.
Do you plan on having manual overide so someone can take over flying in case the computer fails?