Hey, I am a student at Lehigh University and I am part of a team who is exploring different uses for RC planes. We are beginning to learn the basics of the hobby and hope to have enough knowledge to create a prototype of a product which would be incorporated with an RC plane. We also hope to purchase a plane to experiment on and see its capabilities when we modify it or add attachments.

We don't know much about the hobby, so we are asking everyone here if they could provide us with some user feedback. We set up a quick 5 minute survey and we would appreciate it if you could take a look at it.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/Y9KLQ6L

If you have any suggestions for different ways an RC plane could be modified and used in applications leave them below. Concepts we are considering now include a universal rail attachment system on the bottom of the aircraft which could accommodate almost any shape or size attachment, as well as modified ways to control the aircraft.

Also, any info you could provide on what aircraft our team should purchase would be appreciated. We cannot spend much more than a few hundred dollars, but we want an aircraft which can carry small payloads. Also keep in mind we are all new to RC planes and have never flown any.

The military uses the rail mounting system, usually referred to as "hardpoints" or "racks".... Thing is though, they add considerable drag, extra unecessary weight, and generally don't look good (IMO) I think an internal mounting system would be better overall on all three counts. With most hobby type aircraft, there is often a lot of space within the fuselage and/or the wings to add things.

Just a couple of thoughts... may be interesting to see what you come up with on this project. Good luck!

Perhaps members of this forum would be willing to donate some items to your cause? I have had RCers donate pieces and parts so I could build a demo RC plane that I used at airshows to show kids how to fly. It was a static model but I had servos, a radio and receiver and batteries donated. What do you say guys, can we help these kids out?
Also, cht212 check with local clubs to see if they can help you too. If you are wanting to fly an RCplane you will need instruction.

cht, click the link in my signature for a good site for learning the basics

You also need to research the new impending FAA rules for RC planes. A line is being drawn on what is hobby and what is business use. One thing to remember too is flying a model airplane is suppose to be like flying a real airplane; the flyer is trying to make that connection. Using game controllers and IPads is about controlling not flying; already being done, but the intent is slightly different. Cool to do for sure, but there is that distinction. Different demographic from "RC flying".

CHT212,

I am local (in NJ) and also a Lehigh graduate in Mechanical Engineering - I won't tell you what year though. PM me if you have specific questions .....

Steve