UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLES

(UAVs)
ACTIVITY BOOKLET

As a companion to AEX MARC II Module

UNMANNED AERIAL
VEHICLES

Author and Project Director

Lt Col Randy Carlson, CAP

Layout and Design

Barb Pribulick

Editing
Dr. Jeff Montgomery
Ginny Smith

Next Generation Science Standards

Lt Col Randy Carlson

August 2015
Contents

Introduction 3
What is an sUAV, UAV, or UAS 4
History of Drones and RC Aircraft 6
How Does an sUAV or UAV Work? 10
Current Military sUAVs, UAVs 14
What is the usefulness of sUAV and UAV 21
Career Fields and Education in sUAVs and UAVs 28
sUAV Hobbyist Safety 35
activity one RC Activity One 38
Indoor Lighter Than Air RC Balloon Blimp
activity two RC Activity Two 43
Indoor RC Helicopter
activity three RC Activity Three 48
Beginner Level RC Quadcopter
activity four RC Activity Four 54
RC Quadcopter with Video Camera
Glossary of sUAV RC Aircraft Terms 62
Glossary of sUAV and UAV Drone Terms 68

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 Introduction
This booklet covering unmanned aerial
vehicles (UAVs) and “small” unmanned aircraft
(sUAVs) was designed to provide an additional
resource for CAP cadets and senior members who
wish to study and experience more about remote
controlled (RC) aircraft operations, applications and
careers associated with them. The activities in this
booklet can be used for those participating in the
Civil Air Patrol Aerospace Education Excellence
(AEX) Award Program, and as a compendium to the
AEX Model Airplane and Remote Control activity
booklets. Activities in this booklet can be done in any
order as fits with an Aerospace Education (AE)
Program.
The Science Standards used in this information
and activity booklet come from the Next Generation
Science Standards. These standards are based on
the Framework for K-12 Science Education
developed by the National Research Council. The
Framework outlines three dimensions that are needed to a context of science, how science knowledge is acquired and
provide students a high quality science education. The understood, and how sciences are connected through
integration of these three dimensions provides students with concepts that have universal meaning across disciplines.
The Framework’s three dimensions are: practices,
crosscutting concepts, and Disciplinary Core Ideas
including physical science, engineering, technology,
and applications of science.
The Framework specifies two core ideas that
relate science, technology, society, and the
environment: the interdependence of science,
engineering and technology, and the influence of
science, engineering, and technology on society and
the natural world.
To find out more about NGSS, go to
http://www.nextgenscience.org

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 What is an sUAV, UAS, or UAV in general terms?
A Drone is a newish term for a very old concept: a remote from you if it goes out of range from your phone. It takes
controlled aircraft referred to as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle pictures and videos, and it’s a lot of fun. Flying this AR.Drone
(UAV), or System (UAS). Kids had remote controlled toy UAV should only whet your appetite for more RC flying, but
helicopters and airplanes ten years ago, but nobody called the skills needed to support and fly the working sUAV, UAS,
them drones. A drone in the public sector has connotations and drones begin with learning to fly an RC airplane or
of something snooping around or zapping bad guys. In the helicopter and mastering those skills.
Civil Air Patrol we need to remember this and try to refer to We had to wait until recently to see the first drones
RC aircraft that we fly in our units, in the Model Airplane and involved in civil use. The potentials appeared so big they
Remote Control (MARC) Program, and within the AMA caught the attention of public entities and private companies
umbrella as sUAV or “small” UAVs. This will put our hobby, and the amateur hobbyists as well.
sport and CAP in a more “friendly” light. The scopes and technologies of drones vary depending
Drones are remote controlled vehicles that are much on the tools and applications installed on and inside them.
smarter than the sUAVs we’re used to handling in a vacant For example, thanks to the installation of a video camera on
lot or an RC flying field. There are military drones, which can it, it is possible to take images and to use the drone for
spy or even fight for us, and there are hobbyist sUAVs or videos and mapping. Also this increases the number of
drones, which require some assembly and create the desire hobbyists who have combined their passion for aerial
to fly them every weekend. Full scale drones come in fixed photography to the one for modeling and have begun to use
wing, helicopter, and quad-copter configurations. In the the drones for pleasure.
following chapters we will In Italy, for
look at several full-scale instance, after this
Drones currently being increase, the ENAC
used by our government (National Entity for
and Department of Civil Aviation) enacted
Defense (DOD). in January 2014
“Drones” are probably the first regulation
the most advanced for pilotless flights,
equipment in the field of making a distinction
robotics, aeronautics, and between two classes
electronics. The technical of Remotely Piloted
name of drones is Aircraft (RPAs); the
“Unmanned Aerial first, lighter than 25kg
Vehicles” (UAVs). They and the other heavier
are aerial vehicles which (with a mention of the
come in wide varieties of band under 2 kg
sizes, shapes and MTOW): what is often
functions, and are neglected by the
controlled either by remote public opinion is that,
or control systems from the over the military and
ground. They are generally hobbyist scopes the
used to carry out tasks in drones are used for,
which manned flight is there is a huge variety
considered to be risky. of applications, born
Drones mostly find use in and implemented
military services but are now finding uses in various civilian during the ’90s, regarding the civil use of drones. Most of
operations, such as search and rescue, weather analysis the world today has laws and regulations monitoring the
etc. These applications will be looked into in a following flying of drones or RPAs. The applications drones are used
chapter. for in the civil arena are many, and the numbers grow
There are hobbyist drones/sUAVs, which you can fly the constantly.
day you buy one. For $300, you can get the first popular They include monitoring ports, airports, nuclear power
flying drone, the Parrot AR.Drone. You fly it using your phone plants or other sensitive sites to prevent terrorist acts; the
as a remote control. The AR.Drone is smart enough to land collection of samples of toxic clouds; measures to defend
and take off by itself, to hover in one place when you take the population; fire fighting or prevention of natural disasters
your hands off the controls, and even to stop flying away (especially floods).

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 The drones, in a span of 100 years,
have thus become a crucial tool for
saving the lives of civilians, managing to
purge the past reputation due, as
always, not to the instrument itself but to
its use. The Remotely Piloted Vehicle
(RPVs) on the top right is associated
with war, the one on the right for
archaeology. One drops munitions, the
other takes photos of historic sites for
analysis to expand man’s knowledge of
the world in which we live.
According to Lt. Col. Leslie Pratt of
the U.S Air Force in an article, journalists
who cover unmanned aerial vehicles
wrangle endlessly with a very particular
word choice. If you let slip the word
for peacekeeping operations
“drone” in the company of Air Force
told reporters, “I would not use
officers, you’ll have to figure out whether
the word drones.” He prefers
it’s better to quickly settle the bar bill or
“unmanned aerial vehicles
head for the door before things get hairy.
(UAVs).” The confusion over
A remotely piloted aircraft — a Predator
what to call a UAV goes back
or a Reaper — is not a drone, Air Force
decades.
officers will tell you, and to call it that is
“In the 1940s and 1950s,
practically like spitting on their shoes. A
unmanned aircraft were
drone, the patient ones will explain, is a
usually referred to as ‘drones’
target for training. It’s nothing like a
or ‘pilotless aircraft.” Lt. Col.
complex weapon of war or surveillance.
Lawrence Spinetta wrote in
But on top of this, one senses that the
his 2012 dissertation,
“D” word is pejorative because of its
“Remote Possibilities:
connotations. A drone is like a male
Explaining Innovations in
honeybee: useless and without a sting.
Airpower.” He goes on: “…By
Maj. Mary Danner-Jones, an Air Force
the 1960s, the term RPV came into fashion. UAV appeared
spokeswoman, was diplomatic “… There are some people,”
in the 1980s. For a while, the ‘U’ in UAV changed from
she explained, “who are offended by it.” So, for the rest of us,
‘unmanned’ to ‘uninhabited’ before mutating back to
as we write and talk about these aircraft that fly around the
‘unmanned’.” A modern milepost in the changing vernacular
sky while controlled by people on the ground — what do we
came in 2003, when Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. John
call them? Most of the military services and the
Jumper stepped into the fray.
manufacturers call them unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
“We are going to take this whole notion of UAVs and
General Atomics calls its Predator an “unmanned aerial
remotely piloted vehicles and change the name to remotely
system (UAS).” The Air Force begs to differ. “They are not
piloted aircraft,” Jumper told an audience at the Wyndham
‘unmanned,‘” Danner-Jones points out. “There is that
Palace in Orlando, Florida. Ultimately, the Air Force may
interface with the machine and the pilot. You have human
need to be forgiving about what people call RPAs. Even the
involvement in every step.”
“DoD Dictionary of Military Terms” mentions UAV and UAS
So the Air Force, alone among the military services, uses
and RPV. Interestingly, it does not reference RPAs.
the term “remotely piloted aircraft,” or RPA. It’s a tip of the hat
And does it matter? Doesn’t a Patagonian tooth fish taste
to the pilots flying them from the ground. But what we call
as good as a Chilean sea bass? (For the record, yes: They
these things is no longer solely the purview of specialists.
are the same fish.) To those who fly them, it matters indeed.
White House press secretary Jay Carney talked about
Clarity and precise language matter. But that’s why it’s not a
“drone strikes” and the “drone program.” Sen. Rand Paul, R-
simple puzzle. Language is not jargon. Spinetta, himself an
KY., droned on for 13 hours of filibuster talking about drones.
RPA pilot, seems resigned to the “D” word. “Drone”, he says,
And Time magazine featured “Rise of the Drones” on a
inaccurate though it may be, has become “part of the
February cover story, while National Geographic magazine
lexicon.”
recently ran a story called “The Drones Come Home.”
Internationally, it is just as messy. The U.N. special This article appears in the April issue of C4ISR Journal by
reporter on human rights and counterterrorism specifically ARAM ROSTON
uses the word drones, but the U.N. undersecretary general

5
 History of Drones or RC aircraft
Many of you have already found out that an English the Bug and the Aerial Torpedo became early forerunners to
synonym of “…to buzz” is “…to drone”. contemporary cruise missiles. But both were largely
Maybe few of you know that also the German word inaccurate and the drone race was put on hold.
“drone,” intended as the male bee, is Drohnen. And actually, The late 1930s saw an increase military interest in
it’s this flying animal that the name of the flying technologic remotely controlled vehicles, out of which emerged the
object comes after. second generation “Bug,” as well as the “Bat” – a radio-
Drones, also known as UAS (unmanned aerial systems), controlled glide bomb used toward the end of the Second
or simply RPA (remotely piloted aircraft), have become World War. In the mid-1940s the lethal “GB-1” Glide Bomb
increasingly popular and well-known although their endless was developed to bypass German air defenses.
and multifaceted potential has been long ignored. Let’s go It was a workable glider fitted to a standard 1,000 or
deeper into the history of this “misunderstood genius” and 2,000-pound bomb. Made with plywood wings, rudders, and
find out what is a drone or target controlled by radio,
drone? the GB-1s were
Drones have a long history. dropped from B-17s
One of the first recorded usages and then guided by
of drones was by Austrians on bombardiers to their
August 22, 1849. They launched target below. In 1943,
some 200 pilotless balloons one hundred and
mounted with bombs against the eight GB-1s were
city of Venice. And less than two dropped on Cologne
decades later, balloons were causing heavy
flown in the U.S. Civil War in damage (p.181).
1862, with both Confederate and Later in the same war
Union forces using them for came the GB-4, or
reconnaissance and bombing the “Robin”,
sorties. Fast forward over twenty becoming the first
years to 1898, during the “television-guided
Spanish-American War, and we weapon” (p.181).
find the U.S. military fitting a Although potentially
camera to a kite, producing the revolutionary, the
first ever aerial reconnaissance crude image would
photos. only function with
The origins of the modern drone can be Courtesy: AerialClick.com

traced to the “target drones” used in the early

twentieth century. These “dumb” drones were
used to test and train combat pilots, missilemen,
and anti-aircraft gunners.
This technology first emerged in the First
World War. The “grandfather” drone was the rail-
launched Kettering Aerial Torpedo “Bug,”
developed in 1917 by the Dayton-Wright Airplane
Company. The Bug was essentially an
unmanned aerial torpedo – pilotless and guided
by preset controls. “After a predetermined length
of time, a control closed an electrical circuit,
which shut off the engine. Then, the wings were
released, causing the Bug to plunge to Earth –
where its 180 pounds of explosive detonated on
impact.” (National Museum of the Air Force) At
the same time, in 1917, Elmer Sperry—pioneer
of the gyroscope—began construction of the
radio-controlled “Aerial Torpedo” or “Flying
Bomb.” The Aerial Torpedo was able to fly 50
miles carrying a 300 pound bomb. And so, both WWI era Aerial Torpedo Courtesy: Wikipedia

6
 Company, beginning in the early 1950s. Ryan called these
new models its “Firebees,” and went on to sell 4,000 of the
jet-propelled drones (Dickson, p.183). The early Q-
2/Firebee could stay in flight for up to two hours, was
capable of flying up to 60,000 feet, and could reach
speeds of 500 knots. As Dickson goes on to say, “Virtually
every antiaircraft system the nation has developed has
had to prove its worth by downing a batch of elusive
Firebees” (p.183). In the mid-1950s, Sperry rigged an F-80
fighter so that it could be flown automatically to fetch
radioactive atmospheric samples. Even so, the drone
remained almost exclusively a “target” for training up to,
and throughout the 1960s.
A target drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle, generally
remote controlled, usually used in the training of anti-
GB-1 Glide Bomb aircraft weapons crews, and fighter pilots training with air-
to-air missiles. Obsolete jet and propeller-powered aircraft
sufficient detail in all but the best atmospheric conditions.
(such as the Fairey Firefly, Gloster Meteor and de Havilland
During this period, the English-based effort known as
Sea Vixen used at RAE Llanbedr between the 1950s and
“Operation Aphrodite” began. The aim was to strike German
1990s) have also been modified into remote controlled
research laboratories that were concealed in bunkers. The
drones, but such modifications are costly.
plan was to take B-17 “Flying Fortress” and B-24 bombers,
More modern drones may use countermeasures, radar,
strip them down, and cram them full of high explosives.
and similar systems to mimic manned aircraft. More
Manned crews would then pilot the plane for the first part of
advanced drones are made from large, old anti-ship missiles
its orbit, but parachute out once the plane had crossed the
which had their warheads removed.
English Channel into Europe. At this time, a manned
Courtesy: Wikipedia
“mothership” would take control, receiving live
feed from an onboard television camera fitted in
the cockpit.
Aphrodite was a failure. It even claimed the
life of Joseph Kennedy Jr., when his B-17
exploded over the English countryside before
he and his co-pilot were able to parachute. But
the military was not about to give up: the
development of Aphrodite, together with the
strides the Germans were making with the V1
and the more sophisticated V2 missile,
accelerated the development of U.S. unmanned
projects.
According to Dickson, in late 1946 a special QF-100 Target Drone

QF-100
209 F-100D and F models were ordered and converted to
unmanned radio-controlled FSAT (Full Scale Aerial Target)
drone and drone directors for testing and destruction by
modern air-to-air missiles used by current U.S. Air Force
fighter jets in the 1980s.
The Ryan Firebee has proven remarkably successful and
is still in operation with the US Navy and Air Force. The
Firebee also has served with the Canadian Armed Forces
and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, with Japanese
Firebees built by Fuji Heavy Industries. A small number were
B-17 also supplied to NATO programs. More than 7,000 Firebees
have been built, with 1,280 of them being the first generation
“Pilotless Aircraft Branch” of the U.S. Air Force was variants.
established to develop three types of drones for use as The history of drones as information gathering systems
training targets. Of the three, the airborne-launched Q-2 was goes back to during the U.S. involvement in North and South
the most important and ambitious, becoming the “father” of Vietnam between 1965 and 1973, the region proved to be a
a new class of drones built by the Ryan Aeronautical

7
 1965. Such was the extent of drone intelligence gathering
during this time: “The US had given the lion’s share of its
close-in surveillance work in Asia to the Ryan drones”
(Dickson, p.188). The Air Force stated that approximately
3,000 unmanned missions were flown in Southeast Asia
(p.188). Indeed, “About 85 percent of the photos taken to
assess bomb damage during the period were brought home
by these automated craft. Often unknown to both those who
looked at them and those that published them, many of the
aerial views of North Vietnam that appeared in the American
press were taken by the drones” (p.188). Other Ryan
Firebees were being adapted by the U.S. Navy in the area
around North Vietnam.
The Ryan Firebee By 1970 top military brass were beginning to see the
promise of the drone. The technology had
become such that drones could be piloted
from the ground (rather than an airborne
mothership). One of the game-changing
“moments” came in early 1971, in which
unmanned machines “humiliated” manned
systems in a simulated dogfight over the
Pacific Test Range. This scenario pitted an F-
4 Phantom against a Ryan Firebee, which
was outfitted with a remote flight control
system, making it a genuine RPV, rather than
target drone or missile. Controlled by pilots on
the ground, the Firebee managed to score
several “hits” on the F-4. As Dickson notes, in
1972 a supersonic Firebee II even penetrated
the missile defenses of the Navy destroyer
Wainwright and scored a simulated direct hit.
The MQ-1 Predator is perhaps the most
well-known of all military drones used today.
It has a wingspan of 55 feet, a length of 27
“laboratory” for the testing of advanced American technology. feet, and can reach speeds of up to 135 mph. According to
The “electronic battlefield” was (at the time) a radical doctrine the U.S. Air Force, “The Predator system was designed in
that aimed to map the entire battlespace with sensors and response to a Department of Defense requirement to provide
automated, mechanic responses. The “McNamara Line” as persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
it was known by its detractors, aimed to cover vast swathes information combined with a kill capability to the warfighter”.
of territory below the DMZ and into Laos with acoustic and Its deathly name conjures images of a science-fiction
seismic sensors that could detect human and truck dystopia, a Terminator Planet where robots hover in the sky
movements. This data was then broadcast to overhead and exterminate humans on the ground. Of course, this is
aircraft, which transmitted the radio signal on to a “nerve no longer science-fiction.
center” in Thailand, which in turn computed the data, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are remote controlled
generated a target, and then guided bombers to a aircraft that can carry cameras, sensors and weapons over
designated strike area. enemy territory. The decade since 9/11 has seen these
As part of this automating of the battlespace, the Air remote aircraft increase in prominence from speculative
Force began populating the region with remotely piloted prototypes to America’s primary counterterrorism weapon.
vehicles (RPVs). The evolution of the U.S. drone can be With a range of 10,000 miles (16,000 kilometers), the
understood as the passage of three overlapping phases: (1) largest drone, Northrop Grumman’s RQ-4 Global Hawk,
the drone as a “target” (1910s-1950s), (2) the drone as a cruises at high altitude, loitering over an area for up to 30
“sensor” (1960s-1990s), (3) the drone as a “weapon” (2000s- hours. The drone produces high-quality surveillance images
today). using its suite of sensors. The sensor suite includes synthetic
In 1962 drones were used for reconnaissance in Cuba; aperture radar, electro-optical sensors and infrared sensors.
and in 1963, Ryan-147 “Lightening Bug” drones were used At the other end of the size spectrum, the RQ-11 Raven is
for spying in North Vietnam, Laos, and the People’s Republic so tiny a soldier can heave it into the air one-handed. Once
of China. Some of these Firebees—which were launched by airborne, the Raven has a range of 7.45 miles (12 km). Future
C-130 motherships—were downed over China in 1964 and drones could be the size of a hummingbird or even an insect.

8
 Lightning Bug over North Vietnam

Drone Timeline:
1988: Amber UAV led to the Gnat
1993: Gnat-750
1998: I-Gnat (improved) C-band LOS 150 miles @30,000 ft
1998: Predator-A utilizing C and Ku Band SATCOM OTH communications capability
2001: Predator-B 50,000 ft operating altitude with turbo prop engine
Oct. 7, 2001: The first armed Predator drones begin flying missions over Afghanistan less than a month after 9/11. By March
2002, drones would begin providing close air support for troops on the ground.
Nov. 3, 2002: A CIA-operated Predator drone launched a Hellfire missile at a car carrying five al-Qaida members. It was the
first drone assassination in what would become a decade-long campaign.
Dec. 23, 2002: A Predator drone fires a sidewinder missile at an Iraqi fighter plane in the No Fly Zone. This is the first
instance of air-to-air combat with a drone. During the surge in 2007, drone surveillance would significantly reduce the number
of roadside bomb attacks.
Late 2004: The U.S. Border Patrol begins testing UAVs for patrolling the U.S./Mexico border. In 2009, the U.S. begins flying
drones inside of Mexican airspace in support of Mexican government antidrug cartel operations.
Late 2009: U.S. begins drone flights off of Somalia to monitor and deter pirates. In June 2011, the U.S. begins basing drones
at the Mogadishu airport and launching drone missile strikes within Somalia against al-Shabab militants linked to al-Qaida.
April 21, 2011: President Obama approves the use of drones in support of the Libyan rebels. The drones destroy Qaddafi
air defenses in advance of the NATO bombing campaign, and provide targeting and support for NATO allies during the war.
Operations in Libya also feature the first use of drone helicopters in combat.
Jan. 25, 2011: A Texas Department of Public Safety SWAT team deploys a small drone during a raid on a drug stash house.
This marks the first use of UAVs for domestic surveillance.

The word “Drone” has a military connotation that the general public associates with missiles that are being directed to take
out people and military equipment. We should use this word very sparingly lest the general public see us in slightly
unfavorable light. The word “Small” UAV or sUAV is very correct for what CAP is endeavoring to teach cadets.

9
 How does an sUAV or UAV work?
sUAVs, UAVs, RPVs and
Remote Controlled (RC)
airplanes are all composed of
many sub-systems.
The CAP AE related
learning modules of the
theory of flight, and the STEM
MARC and AEX programs
have direct links to cadets
understanding how RPVs
operate and how to operate
them. Essentially CAP
cadets are taking an RPV
ground school formularizing
course, where like the
Sergeant below, learn to fly
with an instructor on a buddy-
box, then solo and go on to
enjoy RC flight as a hobby
and interest. The skill sets
needed to maintain and
operate all of these different
systems are all similarly
based upon both
aeromodeling and larger full scale aircraft like the Predator
and Global Hawk RPVs.
CAP Aerospace Education and the MARC program are
so important in helping CAP cadets gain the needed skills
and understanding of an sUAV and an RC aircraft’s complex
systems. There is every reason they could be operating
Military RPVs in their near futures. An Army or Marine
Sergeant who wants to be a UAV or RPV pilot goes through
the very same training program to learn to fly RC aircraft as
is taught by the AMA and CAP MARC Flight Academies. To
the right is an Army Sergeant at Fort Huachuca, AZ, learning
to fly an Army RPV. He and the instructor are using the same
“Buddy-Box” set up that is so familiar in MARC RC Flight
Academies and AMA instruction programs at AMA clubs
nationwide.
On the right bottom is CAP cadet 1
Lt Wallace Schmidt from the Kentucky have 8 years’ experience flying
wing, also learning to fly RC at the remote controlled sUAVs.
Oshkosh NCSA MARC RC Flight So let’s look at an sUAV as a
Academy in 2013. There is a similarity “system” and the skill sets
in the two above photos, both “students” needed to fly one. The key
are learning to fly remote controlled elements in Radio Control are
aircraft, both are using similar “buddy the same, while admittedly
boxes”, and both have an instructor pilot much more complex as you get
monitoring their flights. While the Army into large full-scale RC aircraft
Sergeant has a larger sUAV to control, such as the Predator A/B or
the skill sets they are both using are Shadow/Scan Eagle. But the
identical. The Army Sergeant is probably operating principles remain the
23-25 years old, Cadet Schmidt is 15, same, especially if you are
and by the time he is 23 years old he will operating an Army or Marine

10
Corps Raven or Wasp III sUAV reconnaissance aircraft. All
sUAVs and UAVs require the following systems in order to
operate:
Transmitter - (a.k.a.
controller) A hand held or
fixed control device which
sends control signals
implemented by the user
via radio waves to a
receiver located inside the
radio controlled model.

Receiver - A device
within the radio controlled
aircraft that receives
control signals via radio How do all these components work together? The hand
waves from the held or fixed transmitter sends a control signal to the receiver
transmitter. The receiver located in the radio control aircraft in the form of a radio
interprets these radio wave. The receiver in turn translates these waves into a
waves into control signals specific action to drive a servo. The servo, also located in
which activate special the RC aircraft then executes these commands mechanically
motors known as servos, steering the model, while another servo can control the drive
which are also located in the RC aircraft. motor thereby making the aircraft go fast or slow. Some of
the more expensive RC aircraft, particularly the
helicopters/quadcopters will have as many as 6 servos
located within the RC aircraft all being managed by the one
receiver.
Some smaller sUAVs are called “Park Flyers” and can
have an infrared light beam (or IR) based command and
control “system.” The IR transmitter sends command related
signals via an Infrared light beam (or IR) similar to your TV
or DVD remote. The IR transmitter sends pulses of infrared
Servo - Not to be confused with a standard two wire DC light that the IR receiver translates into specific commands
motor that can be considered a special DC angle and such as left, right, go, and stop. Generally an IR transmitter
position of mechanisms. These are also located in the RC has no use for an antenna, but for the purpose of
aircraft.
aesthetically mimicking the radio control versions. Radio
control transmitters are always wireless, and operate over
Motor - Motors can be
electric DC drive, or gas radio frequencies (or RF).
driven. The range of an IR signal is usually limited to around 30
feet or less. Infrared, also called optical control or opti-
control, requires line-of-sight, that is, the LED on the IR
transmitter must be pointing at the IR receiver in order to
work. It doesn't see through walls. Whereas an IR transmitter
has a very limited range of 30 feet, the RF transmitter will
support flying distances out to 1.8 - 2.6 miles. Of course the
FAA limits RC flying to a 400 foot overhead ceiling, and a
Power Source - A sUAV at 2.6 miles away from you at 350 feet AGL will be a
power source such as a
little dot in the sky at best.
battery is required to
There are other factors that affect the range of an RC
provide a source of
energy to all these aircraft transmitter and receiver radios, such as weather,
devices above and to left. exact frequency used, and obstructions. The radio's power
output has a factor, too. If your RC airplane is flying at 400 ft
AGL, you could probably have radio contact with it out to +20
miles, but then, of course, you would not be able to see it.

11
 FIGURE 1

Knowing that our RF radio waves travel in straight lines, with a UAV at greater distances is a paramount engineering
then to figure out their maximum range for a two way radio concern.
we have to factor in the curvature of the Earth. When you The Turkish “ANKA” or TUAV, advanced Medium Altitude
stand on Earth and press the talk button on your radio, the Long Endurance class Unmanned Aerial System (UAS),
radio waves are going straight and they will eventually just performs day and night, all-weather reconnaissance, target
go straight off into space once they pass the horizon. So the detection/identification and intelligence missions with its
distance of the horizon is technically the maximum EO/IR and SAR payloads, featuring autonomous flight
communication range for a two-way radio. But you have to capability including Automatic Take-off and Landing.
factor in antenna height as well. Using the diagram on next page and looking at the data
You may be wondering why you see radios that have sheet provided by Turkish Aerospace Industries, the ANKS
range claims of 25 miles or higher. Technically they could can operate at 30,000 ft at a range to the mobile control
communicate that far. Point D on Figure 1 shows a tower center of 130 miles. This is the line of sight (LOS) distance
sitting on top of a mountain. If you are standing on top of this from the UAV to the mobile command and control center.
tower, now your antenna height overcomes a whole lot of the A TUAV system consists of three air vehicles (A/V), Ground
Earth's curvature, and you can communicate much farther. Control Station (GCS), Ground Data Terminal (GDT), Automatic
In summary, for RC airplane or sUAV hobbyists, both IR Take-off and Landing System (ATOLS), Transportable Image
and RF radio-controlled airplanes, whether in a 30 foot Exploitation System (TIES), Remote Video Terminal (RVT) and
operating circle in a field, backyard or within the perimeter of other Ground Support Equipment (GSE).
AMA flying field will teach an RC pilot the same basic skills The TUAV system, which is designed for night and day
in flying an RC aircraft. In the UAV world, communicating missions including adverse weather conditions, performs

12
real time image intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, the TUAV above. This has been overcome with direct
moving/stationery target detection, recognition, identification, satellite communication links enabling the UAV to operate at
and tracking missions. great distances from the controlling command center.
While the TIHA system has an open architecture to General Atomics responded with the Predator. The
support other potential payloads and missions, within the Predator drone extended the GNAT’s limited range with the
context of the existing project the air vehicle is configured to addition of a Ku-band SATCOM data ink. The new satellite
carry the following payloads onboard: communications overcame the limited data link of the GNAT
• Electro-optic Color Day Camera (EO Day TV) and the limitations of the C-band line-of-sight. In fact, a
• Electro-optic/Forward Looking Infrared/Laser Range SATCOM link meant that American drone operators didn’t
Finder/Laser Designator and Spotter Camera even have to be in the same region or even continent as the
(EO/FLIR/LRF/LDS) drone. The Predator drones were first flown in June 1994,
• Synthetic Aperture Radar/Ground Moving Target and were deployed to the Balkans under Operation Nomad
Indicator (SAR/GMTI) Vigil and Operation Deliberate Force in 1995, the latter the
• Inverse SAR (ISAR) name for the NATO air campaign against Bosnian Serb
The “ANKA System” package is depicted above. forces. Both the GNAT-750 and its offspring the Predator
LOS communications is a limiting factor for both and served simultaneously due to the massive demand placed
UAVs in general. An sUAV can be flown and monitored with on surveillance aircraft. Future developments of the Predator
a stand alone ground unit, up to 150 miles. The GNAT UAV’s included a de-icing system, reinforced wings, and a laser-
biggest impediment was the communication device housed guided targeting system: the latter two improvements were
in the aircraft’s fuselage: the C-band line-of-sight data link essential for adding weapons to the drone in its later life.
only had a range of around 150 nautical miles. This meant In 1995 Predators were shown in an aviation
that the drone could only be controlled from a relatively close demonstration at Fort Bliss. Impressed by the drone’s
proximity; seriously restricting its surveillance capabilities as capabilities, the U.S. Air Force soon established its very first
UAV squadron, the 11th Reconnaissance Squadron.

13
 RQ-11 sUAV Raven and antenna

In summary the sUAV and the larger UAV have similar

command and control systems that evolved from flying smaller
RC airplanes. Today’s UAVs are much more complicated and
complex, but the basics are the same. What CAP cadets learn
and experience in the MARC program does prepare them for
possible applications and careers in the aerospace world of
UAVs.
Mobile High power antenna for UAV

Current Military UAVs

America has the largest and most
modern inventory of Unmanned Aerial
Systems (UAS) with many of their
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) having
been tested under rigorous war
conditions in Iraq and Afghanistan/
Pakistan areas. Below are some of the
major ongoing UAS systems with details.
Where open source materials are
available, imagery from these systems
has also been presented:
Keeping in mind the Tier system
covered previously, we will look at
different UAS systems from low altitude
to high altitude.

14
The Wasp III

The Wasp III Small Unmanned Aircraft System is an

unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed for United States
Air Force special operations and the United States Marine
Corps to provide a small light-weight aerial vehicles to
provide beyond-line-of-sight situational awareness. The
aircraft is equipped with two on-board cameras to provide
real-time intelligence to its operators. It is also equipped with
GPS and an Inertial Navigation System enabling it to operate
autonomously from takeoff to recovery. It was designed by
AeroVironment Inc. and was first added to the Air Force
inventory in 2007. There are two Wasp variants: the
traditional version that lands on land ("Terra Wasp") and a
version that lands into the sea or fresh water ("Aqua Wasp").
The Air Force accepted the Wasp AE in late May 2012, and Armament/Payload: High resolution, day/night cameras
the U.S. Marine Corps ordered the Wasp AE in January with digital image stabilization and digital pan/tilt/zoom
2013.

Specifications

General characteristics
Crew: none
Length: 1.25 ft (38 cm)
Wingspan: 2.375 ft (72.3 cm)
Empty weight: 0.95 lb [430 g (Land version)]
Loaded weight: 14.4 lbs (6.53 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Electric motor, rechargeable
lithium ion batteries
Performance
Maximum speed: 40 mph (65 km/h)
Cruise speed: 40 - 65 km/h
Range: 5 km

15
The AeroVironment RQ-11 Raven
The AeroVironment
RQ-11 Raven is a
small, hand-launched
remote-controlled
unmanned aerial
vehicle (or sUAV)
developed for the U.S.
military, but now
adopted by the military
forces of many other
countries. The RQ-11
Raven was originally
introduced as the FQM-
151 in 1999 but in 2002
developed into its
current form, resembling an enlarged FAI class F1C free
flight model aircraft in general appearance. The craft is Specifications
launched by hand and powered by a pusher configuration
electric motor. General characteristics
The Raven provides a number of capabilities to the Wing Span: 4.5 ft (1372 mm)
military. Among the most important is the real-time, up-to- Length: 3 ft (915 mm)
date, over-the-horizon view it provides over trouble spots. Weight: 4.2 lb (1906 g)
Though units are also armed with a host of modern imagery Engine: Aveox 27/26/7-AV electric motor
products, they are unmatched by the live, detailed, day or Cruising speed: 28-60 mph (45–97 km/hr)
night coverage that the Raven provides. It also allows units Range: 6.2 miles (10 km)
to conduct Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Maximum Operating Altitude: Approx 500 feet (150 m)
(ISR) of danger zones without committing soldiers, which above ground level (AGL), and over 15,000 feet (4,600 m)
also allows the task force to monitor an area with a less above mean sea level (MSL
obtrusive presence. Endurance: approx. 60-90 min
With a moderate operational range, the Raven provides Payload: Interchangeable: optical, infrared, and IR
up-to-the minute intelligence over the target area. Day and cameras.
night, live video capabilities let the Raven greatly
assist with the overall situation awareness picture.
The Raven can fly automatically, navigating using
GPS technology and programmable routes and
target areas or be remotely flown by the operator
when necessary.
The Raven can be launched in just minutes, by
hand, into the air like a model airplane. It lands
itself by auto-piloting to a near-hover and dropping
to the ground, without requiring landing gear or
carefully prepared landing strips. Since it is
launched and recovered
in this manner, it does not
require elaborate support
facilities and is ideally
suited to a forward-
deployed unit. Its
automated features and
GPS technology also
make it simple to operate,
requiring no specially
skilled operators or in-
depth flight training.

16
The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle
The Boeing Insitu ScanEagle is a USMC small, low-
cost, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
built by Insitu, a subsidiary of Boeing. The ScanEagle
was designed by Insitu based on the Insitu SeaScan, a
commercial UAV that was intended for fish-spotting.
The ScanEagle continues to be upgraded with
improved technology and reliability.

Specifications
(Data from Insitu, USAF)

General characteristics
Crew: none on-board
Payload: 7.5 lb (3.4 kg)
Length: 5.1-5.6 ft (1.55-1.71 m)
Wingspan: 10.2 ft (3.11 m)
Empty weight: 30.9-39.68 lb (14-18 kg)
Loaded weight: 39.7 lb (18 kg)
Max. Takeoff weight: 48.5 lb (22 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × 2-stroke 3W piston engine, 1.5 hp (1.12 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 80 knots (92 mph, 148 km/h)
Cruise speed: 60 knots (69 mph, 111 km/h)
Endurance: 24+ hours
Service ceiling: 19,500 ft (5,950 m)

Payload: High resolution, day/night camera and thermal

imager

17
The RQ-7 Shadow
The RQ-7 Shadow
unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)
is used by the United States
Army, Marine Corps, Australian
Army and Swedish Army for
reconnaissance, surveillance,
target acquisition and battle
damage assessment. Launched
from a trailer-mounted
pneumatic catapult, it is
recovered with the aid of
arresting gear similar to jets on
an aircraft carrier.
Fort Huachuca, AZ, trains
soldiers, Marines, and civilians in
the operation and maintenance
of the Shadow UAV. The training
program is mainly undertaken by civilian instructors.In Payload: Its gimbal-mounted, digitally stabilized, liquid
August 2004, the improved RQ-7B air vehicle began to roll nitrogen-cooled electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) camera
off from AAI's production line. The RQ-7B has larger wings relays video in real time via a C-band line-of-sight data link
with a more efficient airfoil and increased fuel capacity, to the ground control station (GCS).
allowing an endurance of up to 7 hours. Additionally, the
vehicle has an enlarged tail, upgraded avionics including an
improved flight controller with an IMU (Inertial Measurement
Unit) and increased computing power, and new payload
options. The RQ-7B will also be fitted with the Army's Tactical
Common Data Link (TCDL).

Specifications (200 Family)

General characteristics
Length: 11.2 ft (3.4 m)
Wingspan: 14 ft (4.3 m)
Height: 3.3 ft (1.0 m)
Empty weight: 186 lb (84 kg)
Gross weight: 375 lb (170 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Wankel UAV Engine 741 used only with
Silkolene Synthetic Oil, 38 hp (28 kW)

Performance
Maximum speed: 127 mph; 204 km/h
Cruising speed: 81 mph; 130 km/h
Range: 68 mi (59 nm; 109 km)
Endurance: 6 h/ 9 h Increased Endurance
Service ceiling: 15,000 ft (4,572 m) ELOS (Electronic Line
Of Sight)

Note: When outfitted with IE (Increased Endurance) Wings,

the CRP (Communications Relay Package) and the 1102
engine, endurance time is increased to 9 hours, wing span is
increased to approx. 22 feet (6.7 m), and the service ceiling
is 18,000 ft (only with authorization).

18
The General Atomics GNAT 750
The General Atomics GNAT
is a reconnaissance UAV
developed in the United States
in the late 1980s and
manufactured by General
Atomics Aeronautical Systems
Inc. (GA-ASI). As initially
designed, it was a simplified
version of the LSI Amber
intended for foreign sales. The
GNAT 750 made its first flight in
1989.
The GNAT 750's
configuration was similar to that
of the Amber, except that the
GNAT 750's wing was mounted
low on the fuselage, instead of
being mounted on a pylon on
top. The idea of the name was more probably related to the
fact that a gnat is small. The "750" part of the name stands
for the distance in millimeters from the leading edge to trailing
edge of the wing near the wing root.
The aircraft is powered by a Rotax 912 piston flat-four
four-cycle engine with 64 kW (85 hp). It can fly to an
operational area from 2,000 kilometers (1,240 miles) away
and loiter there for 12 hours before returning home. Eight
GNAT 750s were in development when General Atomics
bought out LSI. General Atomics continued the program,
which led to a contract from the Turkish government for a
number of the UAVs in 1993. The Turkish Air Force operates
6 GNAT-750 and 16 improved I-GNAT ER unmanned aerial
vehicles. Endurance: 48 hours
General Atomics also used the GNAT 750 as the basis Service ceiling: 25,000 ft (7,600 m)
for a tactical UAV known as the "Prowler." It looks much like
a GNAT 750 but is cut down in size, with a span of 7.31 Payload: Weapons and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)
meters (24 ft) and a length of 4.24 meters (13.9 ft). It has an Imaging Systems.
endurance of over 16 hours, and some commonality with
GNAT 750 subsystems.

Specifications (GNAT 750)

General characteristics
Crew: None
Length: 16 ft 5 in (5.00 m)
Wingspan: 35 ft 4 in (10.75 m)
Height: 2 ft 4.5 in (0.75 m)
Empty weight: 560 lb (250 kg)
Gross weight: 1,140 lb (520 kg)
Powerplant: 1 × Rotax 582, 65 hp (48 kW)
Performance
Maximum speed: 120 mph (192 km/h)

19
The Northrop Grumman
RQ-4 Global Hawk
The Northrop Grumman RQ-4
Global Hawk is an unmanned aerial
vehicle (UAV) surveillance aircraft. It
was initially designed by Ryan
Aeronautical (now part of Northrop
Grumman), and known as Tier II+
during development. In role and
operational design, the Global Hawk
is similar to the Lockheed U-2. The
RQ-4 provides a broad overview and
systematic surveillance using high
resolution synthetic aperture radar
(SAR) and long-range electro-
optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors with
long loiter times over target areas. It
can survey as much as 40,000 square
miles (100,000 km2) of terrain a day.
The Global Hawk is operated by
the United States Air Force and U.S.
Navy. The U.S. Navy has developed
the Global Hawk into the version for maritime surveillance. Gross weight: 32,250 lb (14,628 kg)
It is used as a high-altitude platform for surveillance and Powerplant: 1 × engine, 7,600 lb thrust
security. Missions for the Global Hawk cover the spectrum
of intelligence collection capability to support forces in Performance
worldwide military operations. According to the United States
Air Force, the superior surveillance capabilities of the aircraft Cruise speed: 357 mph (575 km/h)
allow more precise weapons targeting and better protection Range: 8,700 mi (7,560 nm; 14,001 km)
of friendly forces. Endurance: 28 hours
Service ceiling: 60,000 ft (18,288 m)
Specifications (RQ-4B)Data from USAF
Payload: Weapons, high resolution synthetic aperture
General characteristics radar (SAR) and long-range electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR)
sensors.
Crew: 0 onboard (3 remote: LRE pilot; MCE pilot and
sensor operator)
Length: 47.6 ft (14.5 m)
Wingspan: 130.9 ft (39.9 m)
Height: 15.3 ft (4.7 m)
Empty weight: 14,950 lb (6,781 kg)

20
 What is the usefulness of UAVs
Some manufacturers
are rebranding the
technology as "unmanned
aerial systems" (UASs) in
preference over "drones."
Drones have also been
used by animal-rights
advocates to determine if
illegal hunting is taking
place, even on private
property. Drones equipped
with video cameras are
being used by the League
Against Cruel Sports
(LACS), a British animal-
rights group, to spot
instances of illegal fox
hunting in the UK. UAVs
are routinely used in
several applications where
Some of the many uses for sUAV and UAV Aircraft human interaction is
difficult or dangerous.
These applications range
• Growing Uses: Beyond the acrobatic aerial footage in filmmaking,
from military to civilian and include
military applications of UAVs with which search and rescue operations,
reconnaissance operations, border
"drones" have become more inspecting power lines and pipelines,
patrol missions, forest fire detection,
associated numerous civil aviation counting wildlife, and delivering
surveillance, and search/rescue
uses have been developed. These medical supplies to remote or
missions. Samples of how sUAV and
include aerial surveying of crops, otherwise inaccessible regions.
UAVs are being used outside of the
military applications we hear about are
listed below:

• Remote Sensing: UAV remote

sensing functions include
electromagnetic spectrum sensors,
gamma ray sensors, biological
sensors, and chemical sensors. A
UAV's electromagnetic sensors
typically include visual spectrum,

sUAV/UAV Thermal Image (Heat)

of Urban Homes
sUAV False Infrared Image (Plant Health)

21
 Sports photography and cinematography

infrared, or near infrared cameras as commercial drone flights over land,

well as radar systems. Other authorities said on June 14, 2014.
electromagnetic wave detectors such AeroVironment started flying its AE
as microwave and ultraviolet spectrum drone to survey BP's pipelines, roads Analysis of Puma sUAV image
sensors may also be used but are and equipment at Prudhoe Bay, Alaska of Alaskan cleared way
uncommon. Biological sensors are the largest U.S. oilfield. (Reuters)
sensors capable of detecting the
airborne presence of various
microorganisms and other biological
factors. Chemical sensors use laser
spectroscopy to analyze the
concentrations of each element in the
air.

• Sports: Drones are starting to be

used in sports photography and
cinematography. For example, they
were used in the 2014 Winter Olympics
in Russia for filming skiing and
snowboarding events. Some
advantages of using unmanned aerial
vehicles in sports are that they allow
video to get closer to the athletes and
they are more flexible than cable-
suspended camera systems.

• Rapid assessment of power

lines and other electricity/power
infrastructure threatened by trees
growing into cleared ways. British
Petroleum (BP) has been authorized to
use unmanned aircraft systems, or
drones, to conduct aerial surveys of
pipelines and other infrastructure on
Alaska's North Slope, the first

22
 • Real Estate Marketing: Videos ground in poor visibility, and bad enough energy to support
and photographs set marketing of the weather. photosynthesis. Healthy plants reflect
property apart from the competition, Some key advantages are: green and NIR while absorbing blue
said Mark Pires, a real estate agent • 5-20cm Ground Sample Distance and red light. As plants become sick,
with the New Canaan office of Coldwell • Fast Deployment to Site they don’t reflect green and NIR as
Banker who uses his miniature • High Accuracy well. There is a mathematical algorithm
helicopter, or unmanned aerial vehicle, • Quick Result Delivery (ENDVI) that works in conjunction with
to capture aspects of a property that • Cost Effective for Small to Medium a special camera that captures both
cannot be seen from the ground. Size Coverage. visible and infrared bands of light. By
processing the picture with ENDVI
• Agriculture: Plants typically algorithm, you get a new picture that
absorb visible blue and visible red light shows where plants are happy and
while reflecting green and Near where they are not. A “bright pink-red”
Infrared (NIR) light. The reason we see is new growth, a basic red color
a plant as green is because it is indicates healthy plant growth and
reflecting the green light to our eyes. conditions. As a plant is affected by
Plants also reflect the NIR light disease, drought or is dying, it turns a
because the infrared light doesn’t have brownish color.

• Aerial Mapping: UAV systems

enable mapping and data collection
missions to be performed easily and
safely. Either multi rotor or fixed wing
UAV systems can gather and produce
Normal Color Bands False Infrared or Infrared Imagery
high quality data and imagery at a
considerably lower cost than
conventional methods. Today’s
sUAV/UAV systems easily integrate
with a multitude of different payloads
that can effortlessly gather the data to
generate precision maps. The Tempest
fixed wing UAV can fly in a four square
mile area in a single flight. UAV
systems can fly in conditions when
manned aircraft cannot operate safely,
including night operations, low to the Figure 1

23
 An AWRI student, Alex Ebenstein,
proposed to use a UAV equipped with a
near infrared (NIR) sensor to estimate the
chlorophyll concentrations in Muskegon
Lake, Muskegon County, MI. The infrared
sensor used created digital images with
three bands similar to bands 2 (green), 3
(red), and 4 (NIR) from Landsat 7. Figure
1 - "False Color" infrared image depicting
a portion of Muskegon Lake and its shore.
Image collected by AWRI UAV, July 2013.

sUAV Orthophoto of Haitian City after a major earthquake

been used to perform search and rescue activities on a

smaller scale, such as the search for missing persons. For
example, Predators, operating between 18,000–29,000 feet
above sea level, performed search and rescue and damage
assessment. Payloads carried were an optical sensor, which
is a daytime and infrared camera in particular, and a
synthetic aperture radar (SAR). The Predator's SAR is a
sophisticated all-weather sensor capable of providing
photographic-like images through clouds, rain or fog, and in
daytime or nighttime conditions, all in real-time. A concept of
coherent change detection in SAR images allows for
exceptional search and rescue ability: photos taken before
• Disaster Relief: UAVs transport medicines and
vaccines, and retrieve medical samples, into and out of
remote or otherwise inaccessible regions. Drones can
help in disaster relief by gathering information from
across an affected area. Drones can also help by
building a picture of the situation and giving
recommendations for how people should direct their
resources to mitigate damage and save lives.
SAR Radar
• Identify useful areas for humanitarian response image(s)
personnel to set up base camp by Gnat I
• Provide aerial support for road clearance activities UAV
• Identify usable roads and transportation
infrastructure
• Rapidly assess disaster damage to building
infrastructure
• Estimate population displacement
• Identify temporary shelters
• Identify best locations to set up new temporary
shelters
• Survey impact of disaster on agriculture, farmland

• Search and Rescue: UAVs will likely play an

increased role in search and rescue in the United
States. This was demonstrated by the use of UAVs
during the 2008 hurricanes that struck Louisiana and
Texas. Micro UAVs, such as the Aeryon Scout, have

24
 measure and monitor plant growth,
vegetation cover, soil/water condition,
and biomass production – and is used
in applications such as precision
agriculture, assessing fire hazards,
monitoring droughts, and other

and after the storm hits are compared, the human-visible red, blue, and green
and a computer highlights areas of light bands. Near-infrared imagery is
damage. UAVs have been tested as used by military and public safety Tracking a vehicle with Wasp III UAV
airborne lifeguards, locating distressed personnel in combination with near-IR
swimmers using thermal cameras and light sources and
dropping life preservers to plural indicators. It also has
swimmers. broad commercial
applications, and
• Forest Fires: Another near-IR images are
application of UAVs is the prevention and commonly combined
early detection of forest fires. The with visible light
possibility of constant flight, both day and images to produce
night, makes the methods used until now multi-spectral
(helicopters, watchtowers, etc.) become products such as
obsolete. Cameras and sensors that N o r m a l i z e d
provide real-time emergency services, Difference Vegetation
including information about the location Index (NDVI) images.
of the outbreak of fire as well as many NDVI is a multi-
factors (wind speed, temperature, spectral standard
humidity, etc.) that are helpful for fire used worldwide to
crews to conduct fire suppression.

Global Hawk photo of wild fires in

Northern California

• GIS: The Scout micro-UAV

system can be used in environmental
and engineering assessment, precision
agriculture, and other GIS applications.
Near Infrared (NIR) camera systems
are designed to capture aerial video
and high resolution still images in the
near-infrared light spectrum, outside

25
environmental projects. GIS software
can extract/process different bands
within an image collected to produce
maps and charts to better understand
the interrelationships happening in the
two different images as seen below.

• Commercial Aerial Surveillance:

Aerial surveillance of large areas is
made possible with low cost UAV
systems. Surveillance applications
include livestock monitoring, wildfire
mapping, pipeline security, home
security, road patrol, and anti-piracy.
The trend for the use of UAV
technology in commercial aerial
surveillance is expanding rapidly with
increased development of automated
object detection approaches.

• Local and State

P o l i c e / L a w
Enforcement: UAVs
are increasingly used
for Border Patrol and
domestic police work in
Canada and the United
States: a dozen U.S.
police forces had
applied for UAV permits
by March 2013.

• Gas and Mineral

Exploitation and
Production: UAVs can
be used to perform
geophysical surveys, in An sUAV collecting data
particular geomagnetic on the UK Coast
surveys where the
p r o c e s s e d
measurements of the

UAV image of Tropical Storm Frank UAV in a Costa Rican Volcano

26
Earth's differential magnetic field • Archaeology: In Peru
strength are used to calculate the archaeologists use drones to
nature of the underlying magnetic rock speed up survey work and
structure. A knowledge of the protect sites from squatters,
underlying rock structure helps trained builders and miners. Small
geophysicists to predict the location of drones helped researchers
mineral deposits. The production side produce three-dimensional
of oil and gas exploration and models of Peruvian sites
production entails the monitoring of the instead of the usual flat maps –
integrity of oil and gas pipelines and and in days and weeks instead
related installations. For above-ground of months and years.
pipelines, this monitoring activity could Drones have replaced
be performed using digital cameras expensive and clumsy small
mounted on one or more UAVs. The planes, kites and helium
“InView UAV” is an example of a UAV balloons. Drones costing about
aircraft developed for use in oil, gas, $1,000 have proven useful. In
and mineral exploration and production 2013 drones have flown over
activities. at least six Peruvian UAV images of Castles in the UK
and Machu Llacta, Peru
• Scientific Research: Unmanned
aircraft are especially useful in
penetrating areas that may be too
dangerous for manned aircraft. The
National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) began utilizing
the Aerosonde unmanned aircraft
system in 2006 as a hurricane hunter.
AAI Corporation subsidiary Aerosonde
Pty Ltd. of Victoria, Australia, designs
and manufactures the 35-pound
system, which can fly into a hurricane
and communicate near-real-time data
directly to the National Hurricane
Center in Florida. Beyond the standard
barometric pressure and temperature
data typically culled from manned
hurricane hunters, the Aerosonde
system provides measurements far
closer to the water’s surface than
previously captured. NASA later began
using the Northrop Grumman RQ-4
Global Hawk for extended hurricane
measurements.
Further applications for unmanned
aircraft can be explored once solutions
have been developed for their
accommodation within national
airspace, an issue currently under
discussion by the Federal Aviation
Administration. UAVSI, the UK
manufacturer, also produces a variant
of their Vigilant light UAS (20 kg)
designed specifically for scientific
research in severe climates, such as
the Antarctic. There have also been
experiments with using UAVs as a
construction and artwork tool at
locations such as the ETH Zurich.

27
archaeological sites, including the colonial Andean town In conclusion there are many applications for sUAVs and
Machu Llacta 4,000 meters (13,000 ft) above sea level. The UAVs other than in the military arena. For all of the above
drones continue to have altitude problems in the Andes, applications, there has to be a team to pilot the UAVs as well
leading to plans to make a drone blimp, employing open as the ground control centers that take the data/imagery
source software. downloaded and apply it to the real uses described above.
Jeffrey Quilter, an archaeologist with Harvard University The potential number of career fields represented here are in
said, "You can go up three meters and photograph a room, the hundreds, and it all starts with an interest in aerospace in
300 meters and photograph a site, or you can go up 3,000 general, and its many associated parts like geography,
meters and photograph the entire valley." Courtesy Wikipedia remote sensing, and MARC.

JOB DESCRIPTION: Army UAV Operator

Position: Army Enlisted 15W - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator
• Launches and
recovers the air
vehicle
• Performs pre-
flight, in flight and
post-flight checks
and procedures
• Directs
emplacement of
ground control
station, directs
emplacement of
launch and
recovery systems
• Supervises and
assists in air
frame repair and
coordinates
evacuation and
replacement of
parts and end
items

Basic Job Description: Duties performed by soldiers in

How to become an Army UAV Pilot
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operators this MOS include:
• Complete initial qualifications. All
are integral to providing Army • Prepares and conducts air
prospective pilots must establish
personnel with information about reconnaissance mission
proper initial qualifications. These
enemy forces and potential battle • Operates mission sensor/payload qualifications include a high
areas. Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for target detection diploma, good color vision, never
Operators are remote pilots of
• Plans and analyzes flight having served in the Peace Corps,
unmanned observation aircraft, who
missions no convictions for offenses more
gather and study information that's
• Deploys and redeploys the TUAV serious than traffic violations,
required to design operational plans
ground and air system ability to obtain a secret clearance
and tactics. The UAV operator
and good general health.
supervises or operates the UAV, such • Operates and performs operator
• Pass the initial entry test. Prior to
as the Army's Shadow Unmanned level maintenance on
entry in the Army, each applicant
Aerial Vehicle, to include mission communications equipment,
must pass the armed services
planning, mission sensor/payload power sources, light and heavy
vocational aptitude battery test
operations, launching, remotely wheel vehicle and some crane
with a high enough score to qualify
piloting, and recovering the aerial operations
to be a UAV pilot. The applicant
vehicle.

28
 Other Requirements: occupations make use of the skills
• Normal color vision developed through MOS 15W training
required and experience.
• Must be U.S. Citizen • Airfield Operations Specialists
• Never been a member of • Business Operations Specialists
the U.S. Peace Corps, • Commercial Pilot
except as specified in Army • Training and Development
Regulation 614-200, Specialists
chapter 1
• No record of conviction by
court-martial
• No record of conviction by
a civil court for any offense
must score 105 on the intelligence
other than minor traffic
portion of this test.
violations
• Complete basic training. Each
applicant must successfully
Similar Civilian Occupations:
complete a nine-week basic
There are civilian occupations
training course. In this course, the
directly equivalent to MOS 15W. The
applicant will learn the basic skills
U.S. homeland Security and Border
to be a soldier. Courtesy: About.com/Military, US
Patrol are more and more using UAVs
• Complete Army UAV training after Army, ehow.com, calguard.ca.gov
to monitor large areas, from a central
basic training. Army UAV training
command center.
is a 23-week course conducted in
Additionally, the following civilian
Arizona. In this course, the soldier
will learn UAV computer skills,
intelligence gathering, map
preparation and aerial intelligence
interpretation.
• Progress to more difficult skills.
Each UAV pilot upgrades his skills
during his enlistment. There are
five skill levels for a UAV pilot.
Basic skill levels involve take off,
landing and operation of the
aircraft. Higher skill levels involve
supervising other pilots and
advising commanders on tactics.

Training Information:
• Army UAV Training: 23 weeks, 3
days at Fort Huachuca, AZ
• ASVAB Score Required: 105 in
the aptitude area SC
• Security Clearance: Secret
• Strength Requirement: medium
• Physical Profile Requirement:
222221.

Links to more Army Pilot Information:

http://www.goarmy.com/careers-and-jobs/browse-career-and-job-
categories/transportation-and-aviation/aviation-officer.html
http://www.calguard.ca.gov/caav/Pages/careers.aspx
http://www.ehow.com/list_5939029_army-aviation-careers.html
http://www.usarec.army.mil/hq/warrant/Wogeninfo_mos.shtml
http://www.ehow.com/how_5810859_become-army-uav-pilot.html

29
 JOB DESCRIPTION: Air Force Reserve
Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) Pilot
Position: Officer (2Lt – Major) AFSC: 11U1 aviation service as pilot
• AFOQT Scores required: Verbal -
15; Quantitative – 10; Pilot – 25;
Navigator – 10; Sum – 50 (Sum
is the minimum composite score
required by adding both the
scores of Pilot and Navigator.)
Applicants must meet or exceed
the minimum Pilot and/or
Navigator scores to qualify for
appointment and attendance of
Undergraduate Pilot Training
(UPT).
• TBAS (Test of Basic Aviation
Skills): Applicants must complete
testing before boards.
• Security Clearance: Eligibility for
Top Secret security clearance
Overview: commissioned applicants to graduate • Strength Requirement: Medium
The MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 from the 9-week Academy of Military • Physical Profile Requirement:
Reaper Remotely Piloted Aircraft Science as an ANG Officer prior to Applicants must pass a Flying
(RPA), commonly known as drones, attending UFT. Prior-Commissioned Class 1 physical.
have individual pilots and crews who applicants must not have exceeded
are physically located in control centers rank-age ceiling. Other Requirements:
often thousands of miles from the • Normal color vision required
aircraft. These officers have completed Completion of Air Force • Must be US Citizen
the same undergraduate flight training Specialized Undergraduate Pilot • Never been a member of the
as other pilot specialties. Training (SUPT) U.S. Peace Corps, except as
specified in Air Force Regulation
Specific Tasks: Requirements: 614-200, chapter 1
• Supervise mission planning, • Education: Bachelor’s Degree • No record of conviction by court-
preparation, filing of flight plan • Commission as an officer in the martial
and crew briefing Air Force Reserve • No record of conviction by a civil
• Operate aircraft and command • Current aeronautical rating and court for any offense other than
crew no permanent disqualification for minor traffic violations.
• Perform or direct navigation,
surveillance, reconnaissance and
weapons employment operations
• Conduct training of
crewmembers and ensure
operational readiness

Training:
NON-COMMISSIONED APPLI-
CANT AGE: Due to the length of
administrative processing involved in
the commissioning process, applicants
must be selected by age 28 and be no
more than age 30 by the start date
of the board’s first available
Undergraduate Flying Training class
(UFT). This will allow time for non-prior

30
 Similar Civilian Occupations:
There are civilian occupations that are directly equivalent to
AFSC 11U1. The US homeland Security and Border Patrol are
more and more using UAVs to monitor large areas, from a
central command center.
Additionally the following civilian occupations make use of
the skills developed through training and experience.
• Airfield Operations Specialists
• Business Operations Specialists
• Commercial Pilot
• Training and Development Specialists

Courtesy: About.com/Military, USAF, ehow.com, USAF Reserve,

Wikipedia

Links to more Air Force UAV Pilot Information click below:

http://www.airforcetimes.com/article/20081103/NEWS/811030336/
Guard-opening-UAV-fliers-school
http://www.afreserve.com/jobs/enlisted-positions/remotely-piloted-aircraft-
rpa-sensor-operator/remotely-piloted-aircraft-rpa-sensor-operator-so
http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-06/us-air-force-adds-
undergrad-uav-training-makes-drone-pilot-career-choice

JOB DESCRIPTION: Navy Enlisted UAV Operator

NEC 8362 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) External Pilot Duties performed by Navy sailors
in this MOS include:
• Prepares and conducts air
reconnaissance mission
• Operates mission sensor/payload
for target detection
• Plans and analyzes flight
missions
• Deploys and redeploys the TUAV
ground and air system
• Operates and performs operator
level maintenance on
communications equipment,
power sources, light and heavy
wheel vehicle and some crane
operations
• Launches and recovers the air
vehicles performs pre-flight, in
flight and post-flight checks and
procedures.
• Directs emplacement of ground
control station
• Directs emplacement of launch
UAV External Pilot directly controls recovery operations by visual reference and recovery systems
the flight of the UAV during launch and to the UAV. • Supervises and assists in air

31
 frame repair and coordinates
evacuation and replacement of
parts and end items.

Sailors must already be trained in

one of several Navy ratings and
achieve promotion to a particular rank:
E-3 for UAV and MQ-8 maintenance
technicians and MQ-8 payload
operators, petty officer third class (E-4)
for internal/external UAV pilots and
UAV payload operators, and petty
officer first class (E-6) for MQ-8 pilots.

Training Information:
23 weeks, 3 days at Fort Huachuca,
AZ
UAV is in the air, operating it from far
Paygrade: E-3 or higher The Army and Marines have tackled greater distances by satellite
UAV staffing by creating distinct new connection.
Source Rating(s): military occupational specialties (MOS) NEC 8364, UAV Payload Operator:
AS, AM, AE, AT, AW, AZ, IS for UAV operators and maintenance A separate designator for the sailor that
Billet Paygrades: E5-E6 crews. For the time being, the Navy remotely operates the sensor
Personnel Paygrades: E4-E6 has decided instead to make UAVs a equipment on the UAV.
Course: Mandatory Navy Enlisted Classification (NEC) — NECs 8366, 8367, and 8368: These
in other words, a skill or job
designator applied to specially
trained personnel that already
hold down a standard rating
(that's sailor talk for MOS.)
NEC 8361, UAV Systems
Organizational Maintenance
Technician: Your basic UAV
repair person. "Organizational
maintenance" means basic
repairs and cleaning — possibly
replacing major components.
Notes: NEC 8362, UAV External
1. Flight physical must be Pilot: whereas other services
completed prior to arrival in seem to have one operator doing all separate NECs for the MQ-8 Fire
accordance with aeromedical the work, the Navy has decided to have Scout, a UAV helicopter, denote
reference and waiver guide and a separate pilot set aside for take-offs assignment as an organizational
also NAVMED P117. and landings who controls the plane by maintenance technician, payload
2. Physical Qualification – Class sight. operator, and pilot, respectively.
Two Physical. NEC 8363, UAV Internal Pilot:
"Internal" is a bit of a misnomer — no Courtesy: About.com/Military, US Navy,
Other Requirements: one is ever getting inside a UAV. This is ehow.com, Wikipedia
• Normal color vision required the operator that takes over once the
• Must be U.S. Citizen
• Never been a member of the
Links to more Navy Pilot Information:
U.S. Peace Corps, except as
specified in Army Regulation 614- http://www.navy.com/careers/aviation/flight-operations.html
200, chapter 1 http://militarycareers.about.com/od/Career-Profiles/p/Career-Profile-
• No record of conviction by court- Navy-UAV-Careers.htm
martial http://www.navytimes.com/article/20081102/NEWS/811020311/New-
• No record of conviction by a civil rating-considered-UAV-operators
court for any offense other than
minor traffic violations. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unmanned_aerial_vehicle

32
 JOB DESCRIPTION: USMC UAV Operator
MOS 7314 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator
MOS 7316, External Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operator

Basic Job Description: by a civil court for any offense

Every branch of other than minor traffic violations
service takes advantage • Must meet the physical
of Unmanned Aerial requirements per section IV,
Vehicles (UAV) these article 15- 65, paragraph 1.15 of
days to extend their reference (ak).
reach on the battlefield, • Complete the Unmanned Aerial
while limiting risk to life Vehicle Operator Common Core,
and limb. And though 243- 96U10 or
Marines must become • Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
commissioned officers Operator (Shadow RQ-7A), or
to fly manned aircraft, other UAS training sites and
enlisted Marines straight courses designated by HQMC.
out of high school have • Familiarity with intelligence and
an opportunity to fly call for fire report formats.
cutting-edge aviation • Knowledge of airspace command
equipment — even if and control agencies and
only by remote — as procedures.
UAV operators in • Knowledge of supporting arms
Military Occupational command and control agencies
Specialty (MOS) 7314. and procedures.
External UAV • Basic preventative maintenance
operators (MOS 7316) skills.
execute the initial takeoff
and final landing phases of UAV General Information: Military Education
operations. They are also an integral • UAV Training Information: 23 The course covers principles of
part of all mission planning, takeoff and weeks, 3 days at Fort Huachuca, flight, including Federal Aviation
landing sequences, and crew AZ Administration standards. In addition to
coordination aspects of UAV flight. • ASVAB Score Required: 105 in remote piloting, Marines may receive
UAV operators are there to monitor the aptitude area SC training on line-of-sight takeoff and
a pre-programmed flight plan and • Security Clearance: Secret landing procedures, qualifying them for
make adjustments as necessary, "flying • Strength Requirement:
by mouse." medium
Central to the purpose of UAVs, • Physical Profile: Pass
operators are also responsible for the Navy's Class III
operating sensor equipment remotely, Flight Physical
monitoring and interpreting aerial standards
camera imagery in order to gather
intelligence. Though there's no mention Other Requirements:
of weapons systems for Marine UAVs • Normal color vision
in the MOS Manual, operators are required
required to understand and use "call for • Must be US Citizen
fire procedures" much the same as • Never been a member
scout observers on the ground. In of the U.S. Peace
layman's terms, that means supporting Corps, except as
the Marines on the battlefield by specified in Army
identifying the enemy's map Regulation 614-200,
coordinates and passing them on to chapter 1
artillery, fighter planes, and other heavy • No record of conviction
hitters. by court-martial
• No record of conviction

33
the additional MOS designator 7316, External UAV operator
(similar to the Navy's external UAV operator.) Marines are Links to more USMC UAV Pilot Information:
also taught how to gather and interpret aerial intelligence http://www.usmilitary.com/4515/marine-corps-uav-
imagery. aerial-military-operator/
http://www.dailytech.com/Demand+Grows+for+US+Mili
tary+UAV+
Operators+Monetary+Incentives+Plentiful/article24517.
htm
http://www.marines.com/operating-
forces/equipment/aircraft/rq-7-shadow
MCWP 3-42.1 Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operations
http://fas.org/irp/doddir/usmc/mcwp3-42-1.pdf
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/VMU-3
Jim Rector, Navy and Marine Corps Small Tactical UAS program
manager (PMA-263) gets a close look at the RQ-21A Puma.

Similar Civilian Occupations:

There are civilian occupations that are directly equivalent
to MOS 7314 and 7316. The U.S. homeland Security and
Border Patrol are more and more using UAVs to monitor
large areas, from a central command center.
Additionally the following civilian occupations make use
of the skills developed through MOS 7314 -16 training and
experience.
• Airfield Operations Specialists
• Business Operations Specialists
• Commercial Pilot
• Training and Development Specialists

Courtesy: About.com/Military, USMC, ehow.com, Wikipedia

USMC ScanEagl

34
 Academy of Model Aeronautics National Model
Aircraft Safety Code
Effective January 1, 2014 may not be launched from model aircraft.
A. GENERAL: A model aircraft is a non-human-carrying  Officially designated AMA Air Show Teams
aircraft capable of sustained flight in the atmosphere. It (AST) are authorized to use devices and
may not exceed limitations of this code and is intended practices as defined within the Team AMA
exclusively for sport, recreation, education and/or Program Document. (AMA Document #718.)
competition. All model flights must be conducted in (j) Not operate a turbine-powered aircraft, unless in
accordance with this safety code and any additional compliance with the AMA turbine regulations.
rules specific to the flying site. (AMA Document #510-A.)
1. Model aircraft will not be flown: 3. Model aircraft will not be flown in AMA sanctioned
(a) In a careless or reckless manner. events, air shows or model demonstrations unless:
(b) At a location where model aircraft activities are (a) The aircraft, control system and pilot skills have
prohibited. successfully demonstrated all maneuvers
2. Model aircraft pilots will: intended or anticipated prior to the specific event.
(a) Yield the right of way to all human-carrying (b) An inexperienced pilot is assisted by an
aircraft. experienced pilot.
(b) See and avoid all aircraft and a spotter must be 4. When and where required by rule, helmets must be
used when appropriate. (AMA Document #540- properly worn and fastened. They must be OSHA,
D.) DOT, ANSI, SNELL or NOCSAE approved or comply
(c) Not fly higher than approximately 400 feet above with comparable standards.
ground level within three (3) miles of an airport B. RADIO CONTROL (RC)
without notifying the airport operator. 1. All pilots shall avoid flying directly over unprotected
(d) Not interfere with operations and traffic patterns people, vessels, vehicles or structures and shall
at any airport, heliport or seaplane base except avoid endangerment of life and property of others.
where there is a mixed use agreement. 2. A successful radio equipment ground-range check in
(e) Not exceed a takeoff weight, including fuel, of 55 accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
pounds unless in compliance with the AMA Large will be completed before the first flight of a new or
Model Airplane program. (AMA Document 520- repaired model aircraft.
A.) 3. At all flying sites a safety line(s) must be established
(f) Ensure the aircraft is identified with the name and in front of which all flying takes place. (AMA
address or AMA number of the owner on the Document #706.)
inside or affixed to the outside of the model (a) Only personnel associated with flying the model
aircraft. (This does not apply to model aircraft aircraft are allowed at or in front of the safety line.
flown indoors.) (b) At air shows or demonstrations, a straight safety
(g) Not operate aircraft with metal-blade propellers line must be established.
or with gaseous boosts except for helicopters (c) An area away from the safety line must be
operated under the provisions of AMA Document maintained for spectators.
#555. (d) Intentional flying behind the safety line is
(h) Not operate model aircraft while under the prohibited.
influence of alcohol or while using any drug that 4. RC model aircraft must use the radio-control
could adversely affect the pilot’s ability to safely frequencies currently allowed by the Federal
control the model. Communications Commission (FCC). Only
(i) Not operate model aircraft carrying pyrotechnic individuals properly licensed by the FCC are
devices that explode or burn, or any device which authorized to operate equipment on Amateur Band
propels a projectile or drops any object that frequencies.
creates a hazard to persons or property. 5. RC model aircraft will not knowingly operate within
Exceptions: three (3) miles of any pre-existing flying site without a
 Free Flight fuses or devices that burn producing frequency-management agreement. (AMA
smoke and are securely attached to the model Documents #922 and #923.)
aircraft during flight. 6. With the exception of events flown under official AMA
 Rocket motors (using solid propellant) up to a Competition Regulations, excluding takeoff and
G-series size may be used provided they landing, no powered model may be flown outdoors
remain attached to the model during flight. closer than 25 feet to any individual, except for the
Model rockets may be flown in accordance with pilot and the pilot's helper(s) located at the flightline.
the National Model Rocketry Safety Code but 7. Under no circumstances may a pilot or other person

35
 touch an outdoor model aircraft in flight while it is still 2. Launch area must be clear of all individuals except
under power, except to divert it from striking an mechanics, officials, and other fliers.
individual. 3. An effective device will be used to extinguish any
8. RC night flying requires a lighting system providing fuse on the model aircraft after the fuse has
the pilot with a clear view of the model’s attitude completed its function.
and orientation at all times. Hand-held illumination D. CONTROL LINE
systems are inadequate for night flying operations. 1. The complete control system (including the safety
9. The pilot of an RC model aircraft shall: thong where applicable) must have an inspection and
(a) Maintain control during the entire flight, pull test prior to flying.
maintaining visual contact without enhancement 2. The pull test will be in accordance with the current
other than by corrective lenses prescribed for the Competition Regulations for the applicable model
pilot. aircraft category.
(b) Fly using the assistance of a camera or First- 3. Model aircraft not fitting a specific category shall use
Person View (FPV) only in accordance with the those pull-test requirements as indicated for Control
procedures outlined in AMA Document #550. Line Precision Aerobatics.
(c) Fly using the assistance of autopilot or 4. The flying area must be clear of all utility wires or
stabilization system only in accordance with the poles and a model aircraft will not be flown closer
procedures outlined in AMA Document #560. than 50 feet to any above-ground electric utility lines.
C. FREE FLIGHT 5. The flying area must be clear of all nonessential
1. Must be at least 100 feet downwind of spectators and participants and spectators before the engine is
automobile parking when the model aircraft is started.
launched.

RC and sUAV Aircraft Safety

SAFETY FIRST the controller and plane on in an area are not in a crowded area -- even the
One of the first reactions when with a lot of open space. This will allow best of pilots can lose control and the
receiving an RC Model plane is that you to get a feel for the controls without blades of a helicopter can really hurt
you will want to take it out of the box many obstacles as each model someone. Make sure you have enough
and see what it can do. That is only airplane can react just a little different room to maneuver around furniture and
natural with any gift, especially with one to your touch on the controller. hanging obstacles (fans, lights, etc.).
that is going to give you the thrill of There are four basic rules all RC Be sure there is enough turning room
controlling your own airplane. Before pilots learn, sometimes the hard way. to avoid crashing into walls and
jumping right into trying it out, though, They ensure your plane and you have damaging your aircraft.
there are certain RC model plane a good experience flying. These Outdoor Flight: Make sure that
safety tips and procedures that a new common sense rules are: your operating area is free of power
RC model plane pilot must know. lines and trees. The last thing you want
You must be a safe, courteous, and 1. Control Your Aircraft Controller after dropping a lot of money into your
responsible RC owner and operator. It Before you run your RC plane, RC plane / helicopter is for it to be fried
will not matter if you are at a local AMA remember: The controller on first, by a high-voltage wire or for it to tear
flying field, the city park or an empty aircraft on second. Never turn your itself apart in a tree. Avoid flying over
field, there are a number of rules we all RC airplane or helicopter on with your crowds or vehicular traffic - you don't
follow. Flying radio controlled aircraft controller off. Another controller in the want to crash into people or cars.
including planes, helicopters, and area may take over and fly your
blimps requires both common sense airplane or helicopter into a tree, a 3. Don't fly on windy days
and following certain ordinances and power line, or right into the ground. If it seems too windy outdoors to fly,
legal restrictions. After you run your RC plane: it probably is. Your RC plane or
The first is getting started with your Turn the aircraft off first, controller helicopter doesn’t stand much of a
RC model plane following the proper off second. Never turn your controller chance against wind so it really isn’t
RC model plane safety tips for starting off with your plane or helicopter on. worth the risk. Even if you are able to
it. Always turn on your controller and Stray signals from other RC remotes get your aircraft into the air, gusts of
make sure if it is working before you can, and most likely will, take control of wind can cause crashes and could
turn on the model plane itself. This will your airplane or helicopter. Results of send your aircraft into dangerous areas
ensure you have a device to control remote takeover can be disastrous. such as a crowd of people, a tree, or
your model plane with in case it would the side of a building.
malfunction and start to move as soon 2. Choose safe RC flying areas If you can't fly indoors, wait for a
as you turn it on. Be sure to turn both Indoor Flight: Make sure that you very still, windless day to fly your RC

36
aircraft. extent to which AMA benefits may work
This isn't just advice I've heard from to protect our members, clubs, and
others and decided to pass along. I'm landowners.
speaking from experience. Don't just
stand still and see if there's any wind All AMA chartered clubs are charged
blowing on you -- look up. You'll be with the responsibility to ensure that
flying up high usually. Check the trees, their operations in connection with
the tree tops, and even the clouds for flying activities will be conducted in
movement. Certain heavier aircraft can compliance with the AMA’s National
withstand slight breezes but watch out Safety Code(s). Specialized
for gusts of wind. supplemental safety codes include
Radio Control Combat (#525), General
4. Handle and store nitro fuel safely Radio Control Racing (#530), Giant
Scale Radio Control Racing (#515-A),
Fueling: Nitromethane or nitro fuel Gas Turbine Operation (note: special
is highly flammable. Just as you waiver required) (#510-A), Park Flyer
shouldn't smoke while fueling the Safe Operating Recommendations
(RC, Free Flight, and Control Line),
family car, avoid smoking and open (#545), and First Person View (FPV)
and that CAP cadets are encouraged
flames around the nitro fuel for your Operations (#550). These special
to join the AMA as youth Members,
RC. When fueling your nitro RC, wipe documents may be obtained either
they are also expected to adhere to
up any spills and properly dispose of from the AMA Web site at:
AMA rules when it comes to flying RC
fuel-soaked rags.
airplanes.
Handling: At the park or track it's www.modelaircraft.org/documents.aspx
The next pages will show the FAA
common to carry fuel in a quick-fill
and AMA rules that pertain to flying RC
bottle. To ensure that you don't get your The AMA National Model Aircraft
or sUAV airplanes.
fuel mixed up with someone else's Code is attached so it can be read in its
(who might be running a different entirety and applied accordingly to how
SAFETY CODE COMPLIANCE
mixture) label your fuel bottle with your we all operate RC airplanes. Never
name. If you're running multiple RC leave the controller and aircraft
It is the intent of the Academy of
airplanes with different fuel mixtures, switches in the “ON” position.
Model Aeronautics to make its
color-code your bottles to avoid mix-
members aware of the ever-increasing
ups.
importance of operating their
Storage: As with gas cans stored at
model aircraft in the safest possible
home, store your nitro fuel away from
manner. Aeromodeling is a very
open flames (next to the hot water
gratifying avocation but with it
heater with its lit pilot light is not a good
comes the responsibility of every
storage idea). Keep the container
participant to exercise the same
tightly capped to avoid evaporation.
caution and professionalism one
Don't store nitro fuel in a damp location
would expect to find in any other
either as the fuel attracts moisture, and
aviation activity. In these days of
water in the fuel will render it weak and
rapidly increasing insurance
could be harmful to your nitro engine.
premiums, escalating monetary
settlements from litigation, and
The above rules will help you no
rising costs for medical services,
matter where you fly RC. But there are
we and our members cannot afford
rules that we all must adhere to. The
to take safety for granted. The
FAA (the government) has rules
minimum amount of time and effort
pertaining to operation of RC planes,
required to operate safely pays
as possibly your town or city does as
major benefits many times over.
well. The next set of rules is from an
FAA publication, and needs to be
Let it be known that any
remembered whenever you fly at a field
deviation on the operation of model
or open space that is not a regulated
aircraft from the AMA National
AMA flying field.
Model Aircraft Safety Code,
Since the Civil Air Patrol is
including but not limited to
partnered with the Academy of Model
operating in a reckless,
Aeronautics (AMA) in advancing the
irresponsible, intentionally unsafe
safe operation of flying model airplanes
manner, may seriously limit the

37
 activity one
Indoor Lighter Than Air (LTA)
Electric RC Nano Blimp
OBJECTIVES: Build a simple helium blimp

Experience how to fly a lighter-than-air (LTA) Airship RC aeromodel

Excite imaginations for indoor LTA RC model flying

Explore building hybrids of a basic RC model

Apply precise building technique for a successful LTA flight

NanoBlimp in Flight in an Office

The White Dwarf bicycle pedal powered blimp of 2007

Activity Credit: Credit and Permission to Reprint – Vat19 (Vat19.com), the US distributor of the Plantraco Ltd (Canada)
“NanoBlimp” aeromodel has graciously given the Civil Air Patrol permission to use the model photos and material developed by
Vat19 for this publication. More information, tips and updates on the Nano Blimp models may be found at
http://www.vat19.com/dvds/nano-blimp-remote-controlled-indoor-blimp.cfm or visit Plantraco Microflight at http://www.microflight.com.

38
 BACKGROUND
MATERIALS
The term "blimp" refers only to a free-flying
No tools are really required for the NanoBlimp ARF aircraft.
Assembly is straight forward and outlined in the provided Set aircraft. The term is sometimes erroneously used to
Up and Operating Instructions booklet that comes with the LTA refer to the tethered craft known as moored balloons.
Airship at http://www.microflight.com. While often very similar in shape, moored balloons
Helium can be purchased at most party stores, and larger have no propulsion and are tethered to the ground.
department stores like Wal-Mart and Target for less than $40. The “B” class blimps were patrol airships operated
by the United States Navy during and shortly after
Provided in the kit: World War I. During World War I there were no really
• One HFX900 Proportional R/C Transmitter/Charger good airship design criteria. Dr. Jerome Hunsaker
(900 Mhz-USA, 868Mhz-EU). was asked to develop a theory of airship design, Lt.
• Gondola with radio receiver, three-motors with propellers. John H. Towers returned from Europe having
• Weights. inspected British designs, and the Navy sought bids
• 10-Balloons. for 16 blimps from American manufacturers. On 4
• Adhesive strips. February, 1917, the Secretary of the Navy directed
• Joysticks and washers. that 16 non-rigid airships of Class “B” to be procured.
*You will need 4 x“AA” alkaline batteries for the HFX900 Ultimately, Goodyear built 9 envelopes, Goodrich built
Transmitter/Charger. 5 and Curtiss built the gondolas for all of those 14
ships. Connecticut Aircraft contracted with U.S.
Rubber for its two envelopes and with Pigeon Fraser
for its gondolas. The Curtiss-built gondolas were
modified JN-4 fuselages and were powered by OX-5
engines. The Connecticut Aircraft blimps were
powered by Hall-Scott engines. So began the Navy’s
long association with LTA Blimps leading to the G-
Class of the late 1930s.
The G-Class Blimps were a series of non-rigid
airships (blimps) used by the United States Navy. In
1935, instead of developing a new design airship, the
Navy purchased the Goodyear Blimp Defender for
use as a trainer and utility airship assigning it the
designator G-1. Defender was built by the Goodyear
Aircraft Company of Akron, OH and was the largest
NATIONAL STANDARDS
blimp in the company’s fleet of airships that were
Science Standards:
Current Standard: Science as Inquiry used for advertising and as passenger airships.
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry Additional G-class airships were bought during World
• Understands about scientific inquiry War II to support training needs.
Current Standard: Physical Science
• Motions and forces
Current Standard: Science and Technology
• Abilities of technological design
• Understandings about science and technology
Current Standard: History and the Nature of Science
• Science as a human endeavor
• Historical perspectives
• Unifying Concepts and Processes
• Evidence, models, and explanation

Technology Standards:
Current Standard: The Designed World
Standard 20: Students will develop an
understanding of and be able to select and use
construction technologies. G-7

39
Specifications: G-Class Blimp (1942) PROCEDURE
General characteristics 1. Add 4 “AA” batteries to the Transmitter. Be careful to place
• Crew: 2-3 them with proper (+/-) polarity.
• Capacity: 7-8
• Length: 186 ft 8 in (56.94 m)
• Diameter: 42 ft 10 in (13.06 m)
• Height: 62 ft (18.90 m)
• Volume: 183,000 ft3 (5,182 m3)
• Useful lift: 4,115 lb (1,867 kg)
• Powerplant: 2 × Continental R-670-2 radials, 210 hp
(157 kW) each each

Performance 2. Inflate the balloon with helium, and tie it off securely.
• Maximum speed: 57 mph (92 km/h) 3. To fill, follow the instructions on the helium container. It
• Cruise speed: 48 mph (77 km/h) was made to fill just such balloons as used in the Nano
• Endurance: 16 hours 42 min Blimp.
4. Switch ON the transmitter.
5. Attach the small rechargeable blimp battery to the Micro
blimp gondola. You’ll hear several tones as the Micro
blimp syncs with the transmitter.

A blimp, or non-rigid airship, is a floating airship without

an internal supporting framework, or a keel. A non-rigid
airship differs from a semi-rigid airship and a rigid airship
(e.g., a Zeppelin) in that it does not have any rigid structure,
neither a complete framework nor a partial keel, to help the
airbag maintain its shape. Rather, these aircraft rely on both
a higher pressure of the lifting gas (usually helium, rather
than hydrogen) inside the envelope and the strength of the
envelope itself. The part underneath is called the buckle.

What is Lighter Than Air

Lighter than air refers to materials (usually gases) that
are buoyant in air because they have densities lower than 6. The propellers will start to spin. You now need to adjust
that of air (about 1.2 kg/m3, 1.2 g/L). Some of these gases your trim using the trimmer wheels on the transmitter.
are used as lifting gases in lighter-than-air aircraft, which Adjust the wheels until you have stopped all rotation of
include free balloons, moored balloons, and airships, to the 3 propellers. (Note that your default transmitter mixing
make the whole craft, on average, lighter than air. Heavier- mode is airplane style blimp mixing). Stop here and read
than-air aircraft also include airplanes, gliders and the whole manual if you found it tricky to trim out the
helicopters. propellers.
The Nano Blimp is the World's Smallest Remote 7. Attach the Micro Blimp gondola receiver to the center of
Controlled LTA Blimp! Aside from what comes in the kit, you the balloon using the supplied Velcro hooks to the center
will need 4 -“AA” batteries (not included) and a supply of of the balloon, and the fuzzy part of the Velcro to the top
helium. Helium (not included) can be purchased at any party of the Micro Blimp Gondola. The plastic gondola dome
store or most department stores in the party and balloons can be added later.
sections. 8. Add the included ballast weights to achieve neutral
The secret to the Nano Blimp is its gondola, which buoyancy with the receiver battery installed. The ballast
combines motors, propellers, a radio receiver, lithium-ion weights consist of a metal washer or a coin that is taped
battery, and a charging port into one super lightweight onto the balloon, and then a series of included ballast
design. magnets can be added until the Micro Blimp neither rises
nor falls - it will just float there in midair.
9. You are ready to fly! Take a short test flight, and
recharge your battery.

40
Charge Lithium Polymer Rechargeable “Bahoma” Cell The Right Joystick is used for steering Left and Right, and
also to ascend and descend - Just remember to Pull the
The included lithium polymer cell features Plantraco’s Right stick to go UP. PULL-UP - just like the old war movies
Bahoma (BAttery HOlder using MAgnets) connector (patent “You’re too low! Pull Up! Pull Up!” - It is an easy way to
pending). The Bahoma connector system uses strong plated remember that when you want the NanoBlimp to go up, you
magnets to hold the battery onto the charger and onto the pull back on the Right stick.
NanoBlimp gondola. These magnets are also used as
electrical conductors. The terminals of the Bahoma cell are Conversely, if you push the Right Joystick forward, you will
protected from shorting to each other by a plastic safety descend. Now for steering Left and Right, you should
guard. (See Fig. 1) remember to go easy on the sticks – you don’t need to move
a whole lot to get the NanoBlimp to turn one way or another
On the front of the transmitter, slide the 3 position switch to - you have precision proportional control, so remember to
the middle position to put the transmitter into its “charge” take it easy - small and slow stick motions will be better for
mode. The LED inside the charger door will be blinking learning.
rapidly. Slide the hinged clear polycarbonate plastic charger
door downwards to unlock it, and then lift it open. Attach the With any R/C aircraft, the biggest challenge for the beginner
Bahoma cell to the corresponding magnetic terminals. The is when the aircraft is coming back toward you - you will find
Bahoma cell will “click” into place on the charger by magnetic that your controls will seem reversed when the Micro Blimp
attraction and with good electrical contact. The LED inside is coming back toward you. Every R/C flyer must master the
the charger will now glow brightly. Close the clear charger controls under this situation, and the Micro blimp is a good
door, and slide it up to shut it with a small click. Your cell is R/C airplane trainer for this purpose.
now charging, and when the bright LED goes out, the cell is
fully charged and ready for use. Charge time is about 40 - 60 Try to imagine that you are inside the Micro Blimp looking
minutes. (See Fig. 2) out. If you can put yourself in the cockpit, you will be well on
your way to becoming a good pilot. Once you have mastered
Receiver – NanoBlimp Gondola flying the Micro Blimp, you’ll be ready to try an R/C airplane
or any other R/C aircraft.
The circuit board with 3 motors and propellers is the
NanoBlimp Gondola. It has a built-in R/C receiver, antenna, Tips:
microprocessor, power transistors to control the motors, LED
indicator light, and Bahoma magnetic battery terminals. The
• Most new pilots tend to use too much thrusting power when
small oval shaped circuit board material is used to attach the
beginning to fly and find that they are crashing into walls
NanoBlimp gondola to the balloon with the included
and generally losing control of the NanoBlimp.
adhesive backed Velcro, or you can also use 2 small pieces
of cellophane tape to attach it to a balloon if you wish
• What is most important is what the NanoBlimp is doing,
NOT what position your joysticks are in - you will react to
the motion of the Micro Blimp and modulate your controls
to achieve the desired flight path.

• If you like, you can tape a small vertical “fin” to the rear of
the balloon to make the balloon more stable and less
reactive to your controls. Experiment with the size of fin
until you get the desired level of “damping.” This will make
the airship less reactive to your controls, but it may help
beginner pilots.

• You can patch a small hole in the balloon with cellophane

(Scotch) tape.

• Do not fly outdoors: You will only have one flight! The
saucer is very sensitive to the slightest breeze and thermal
Flying and Trimming
activity. Outdoor flying will allow the saucer to get away. If
you must fly outdoors, tether the saucer to the ground with
The Left Joystick controls your forward and reverse thrust
a length of string or lightweight fishing line.
of both Left and Right motors simultaneously and equally. If
you use the Left stick alone, you will cause your blimp to
• DO NOT ALLOW THE BALLOON TO FLOAT AROUND
thrust forward or backward. Side-to-side motion of the Left
THE HOUSE UNATTENDED. ALWAYS TETHER YOUR
joystick has no function.
SAUCER AFTER YOU ARE FINISHED FLYING.

41
• Read the instruction manual!
• The Nanoblimp has a bigger brother called the MicroBlimp
that is twice as big as well if you want something larger.
• http://www.microflight.com/MicroBlimp-RTF-Set

EVALUATION
Build one or more blimps using different types of balloons,
and report on what different flying characteristics you have
observed. Add a light-weight steering rudder and see what
effects it has on your flights.
Visit the website http://www.microflight.com or read the
instruction manual and learn how to configure three different
control transmitters so up to three balloons can fly combat
with push pins as weapons!
EXTENSION
http://home.teleport.com/~reedg/whitedwarf.html

RESOURCES
LTA Modeling Websites:
3-Channel RC Helium Good Year Blimp:
http://www.rctoys.com/rc-toys-and-parts/MACH-3Z-
GOODYEAR/RC-BLIMPS.html

http://airshiphangar.com/rc-airships.html

http://www.rctoys.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTG
Y&Category_Code=RC-BLIMPS&Offset=&SortBy=best-desc

Google “Helium at Wal-Mart or Target” and you will have all

the information you need on where to get Helium. It is legal.

42
 activity two
Beginner Level RC Indoor
Electric (RTF) Helicopter
OBJECTIVES: Assemble the aircraft
Safely train with a fully proportional 3-channel aircraft and radio system
Excite students and deepen their understanding about science and the
physics of flight

Activity Credit: Credit and

Permission to Reprint – Syma Toys
LTD, China is the designer,
manufacturer, and distributor of this
product and has graciously given the
Civil Air Patrol permission to reprint
the photos and owner’s manual
instructions here for one or more of
their Ready to Fly (RTF) RC airplanes.
More model aircraft, parts, and
accessories can be found at the USA
distributor UJtoys of Houston, Texas
found at http://www.UJtoys.com

43
BACKGROUND
General Information: Manufactured by Sikorsky Aircraft MATERIALS
Division of United Technologies, 42 medium-range Jayhawk HH- No tools are required for the Syma S111G
60J helicopters are operating in the Coast Guard. On board the Defense mini 3-channel 8” RTF RC helicopter.
Jayhawk, the Collins RCVR-3A radio simultaneously receives RTF means “Ready to Fly” (RTF) almost right
information from four of the system's 18 worldwide satellites and out of the box. There is very little assembly, and
converts it into latitude and longitude fixes that pinpoint the
no tools required.
helicopter's position. The HH-60J is not able to perform water
landings. However, with its twin T700-GE-401C engines, the
Jayhawk can fly 300 miles offshore, remain on scene 45
minutes, hoist six people on board, and return to its point of NATIONAL STANDARDS
origin with a safe fuel reserve. Normal cruising speeds of 135- Science Standards:
140 knots can be increased to a "dash" speed of 180 knots when Current Standard: Science as Inquiry
necessary. The H-60 will fly comfortably at 140 knots for six to • Abilities necessary to do scientific
seven hours. Though normally stationed ashore, the Jayhawk inquiry
can be carried aboard 270-foot WMEC and 378-foot WHEC • Understands about scientific inquiry
Coast Guard cutters. The actual implementation of the HH-60J Current Standard: Physical Science
began in March of 1990 with the delivery of the first airframe to • Motions and forces
Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland, for developmental Current Standard: Science and Technology
testing. • Abilities of technological design
Missions: The Jayhawk's state-of-the-art radar, radio, and • Understandings about science and
navigation equipment enables the helicopter to carry out the technology
Coast Guard's search and rescue, law enforcement, military Current Standard: History and the Nature of
readiness, and marine environmental protection missions Science
efficiently and effectively. Courtesy: USCG • Science as a human endeavor
• Historical perspectives
• Unifying Concepts and Processes
• Evidence, models, and explanation

Technology Standards:
Standard 20: Students will develop an
understanding of and be able to select and
use construction technologies.

VOCABULARY
RTF: Ready to fly means there is essentially no
assembly requiring tools.

3-Channel: Throttle, Steering (left/right), and Pitch

(up/down)

Gyro: A gyroscope is a device which maintains its

Sikorsky Jayhawk HH-60J Specifications
orientation in space. When installed in an RC
Rotor Diameter: 53 ft. 8 in.
helicopter, the gyroscope eliminates any unwanted
Length: 64 ft. 10 in.
movement of the tail (yaw).
Height: 17 ft.
Empty Weight: 14,500 lbs
Max Takeoff Weight: 21,884 lbs
Top Speed: 391 mph
Service Ceiling: 39,400 ft.
Range: 1,850 miles
Engine/Horsepower: Two GE T700-GE-401C Gas Turbines,
1,890 shp each
Crew: 4
Armament: 1 x 7.62 mm M240H machine guns (door) and 1 x
12.7 mm machine gun

44
MAIN PARTS OF A HELICOPTER

Features: S111G RC Helicopter

• Product: 100% NEW and Genuine from
SYMA
• Up/down, left/right, forward/backward
• Indoor / Outdoor Ready to Fly.
• With Vernier Adjustment Knob.
• Metal Frame - Double Protection of the body.
• Flashlight included.
• Built-in GYRO: Control your helicopter easily
and perfectly

Specifications:
• Type: Helicopter
• Rotor Diameter: 7 in
• Overall Length: 8.5 in
• Flying Weight: 0.6 oz
• Non-stop Flying Time: 8 minutes
• Aircraft Recommended Battery: 150mAh
3.7V 14C Li-Poly
• Radio controller Batteries: 6 x “AA”
• Is Assembly Required: No S111G RC Helicopter contents in box:
• Radio Controlling Distance: 30 ft
• 1 x S111G RC Helicopter (w/150mAh 3.7V 14C Li-Poly
battery
• No “AA” batteries for the controller are included
• 1 x Remote Controller a 4-in-1 infrared receiver (Gyro,
ESC, Mixer, Receiver).
• 1 x USB Charging Cable
• 1 x Tail Blade
• 1 x Instruction Manual

This palm size Helicopter (8.5 inches long) has a very

beautiful and detailed fuselage. Decorated with flashing
LED, the visual effect is great, especially in a soft light indoor
area. The Syma Mini Helicopter Series is able to move in 3
Direction base on the 3 Channels and anyone can hover it
easily. Since it is very light-weight, amazingly it is almost
indestructible in any crash, perfect for very first time
beginners. This RC helicopter is designed for anyone over
8 years old; flight time is around 5-6 minutes after 20-30
minutes charging. It can fly in 6 directions. They are:

- Rotate Clockwise / Anti-Clockwise

- Move Forward / Backward
- Move Up / Down

PROCEDURE
Step 1-2: Batteries and Power
The following is from the Syma S111G RC Helicopter 1. Install the 6 x “AA” batteries in the transmitter.
Owner’s “Instruction Manual.” 2. Charging the helicopter: This can be done in either of
two ways.
The S111G RC helicopter comes with all required materials (A) Directly from the controller via a power cord from the
and assemblies. You can literally buy the RTF helicopter, controller handle, or
take the box to a flying location, open it up, do the (B) From the USB interface port on a computer.
following assemblies and begin flying within a few
minutes. 6-Steps and that’s all there is to it! Charging time can be 50-60 minutes for 6-10 minutes
flying.

45
 handling during the first flight to ensure flight
controls function in the correct directions.

Step 3: Flying the helicopter

1. Set the band selector on the transmitter and the helicopter to the same
frequency. The helicopter is preset to Channel A or B. Look under the
helicopter next to the on/off switch. (printed CHA or CHB)

2. Move the Power Switch on the helicopter to the ON position. The power
indicator and helicopter lights will light up.

3. Place the helicopter on the ground, tail pointed toward you.

4. When the helicopter received the transmitted signal, the LED of the
circuit board will turn light.

5. Throttle: Moving the Throttle or accelerator up advances power.

Step 4: Control Test

Unlike a RC airplane, you cannot test the rudder or ailerons. Moving the
Throttle all the way forward quickly and back will confirm you have power All RC aircraft/helicopters need a little trim to
only. make them fly straight and level. A helicopter is
the most likely aircraft to have left or right
Step 5: Control Test rotations. This can be corrected rudder trim
Test the controls to see if parts were damaged during shipping and knob. (See above for how to correct this)

46
Flight Checklist EVALUATION
Have the students/cadets practice landings in a
• Always check the area you are going to fly in. Make sure
other people are aware an RC helicopter will be in the area. classroom or gym floor with a tape runway as in the CAP
• Always check that Channel A or B the transmitter and
helicopter are the same
• Switch the helicopter power to “ON”
• Point the helicopter away from you on a flat hard surface.
• Fly the model.
• Land the model.
• Switch the helicopter power to “OFF”
• Switch the transmitter to “OFF.” Always turn the transmitter
off last.
• Take the Charging wire from the transmitter or USB wire
and plug into the helicopter for recharging.

EXTENSION:
Ready to Fly (RTF) “Indoor Ultra-Light” RC
helicopters/aircraft can be found at any good hobby shop,
Craft & hobby stores like Hobby Lobby, and some discount
stores. It is recommended that cadets and students try a
variety of different types such as single rotor, counter-
rotating blade RC helicopters to experience the different
flight characteristics they offer a beginning RC helicopter
pilot.
As a rule: RC helicopters do not like wind. AEX and explain the similarities and differences between
An ideal follow-on project is AEX, for Senior Members an RC helicopter landing and the string and stick method.
activity one: “Electric Radio Control Model Aircraft.” The AEX II activity seven: “The Final Approach” is ideal to
COX “ELECTRA J3 CUB” is an ideal next airplane for practice and get the “feel” of RC and real aircraft controls for
students/cadets to learn to fly RC with. cadets and senior members.

REVIEW: RESOURCES
The Syma S111G RC helicopter can be found online and AEX for Senior Members, activity eight: “Remote Control
at hobby shops. Spare parts are available at UJ Toys on line. Flight Simulator for Your Computer” is ideal for
This entry level RC helicopter is in the 20-30 dollar range, students/cadets to practice and get the “feel” of an RC
and will provide hours of basic RC training /learning for radio controller.
cadets and senior members alike. This is especially true if it
is used to follow up on the free RealFlight RC Simulator AEX, for Senior Members, activity one: “Electric Radio
available from CAP /AE in the RC STEM kits. Control Model Aircraft” is ideal for students/cadets to
STEM Kits: www.capmembers.com/stem-ed practice and expand their RC piloting skills
http://www.symatoys.com/content/contact.html

UJ Toys RC sales website: http://www.ujtoys.com/

SYMA-RC-HELICOPTERS-s/231.htm?searching=
Y&sort=2&cat=231&show=30&page=2

Spare parts: UJ Toys Houston, TX:

http://www.ujtoys.com/Syma-S111G-Spare-Parts-
s/263.htm

47
 activity three
Beginner Level RC Indoor Electric
(RTF) Quadcopter
OBJECTIVES: Assemble the aircraft
Safely train with a fully proportional 3-channel quadcopter
Practice indoor RC flying

Activity Credit: Credit and

Permission to Reprint – Hobbico
Inc. has graciously given the
Civil Air Patrol permission to
reprint the photos and owner’s
manual instructions here for one
or more of their Ready to Fly
(RTF) RC quadcopters. More
RC model aircraft, helicopters,
quadcopters, parts and
accessories can be found at
http://www.flyzoneplanes.com
and http://www.hobbico.com/.
Hobbico also provides the Real
Flight RC Simulators that have
assisted RC student pilots gain
a well grounded initial flying
experience at home, in their
schools, and CAP units
nationwide.

48
 NATIONAL STANDARDS
Science Standards:
Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
• Understanding about scientific inquiry
Content Standard B: Physical Science
• Motions and forces
Content Standard E: Science and Technology
• Abilities of technological design
• Understandings about science and
technology
Content Standard G: History and Nature of
Science
• Science as a human endeavor
• Historical perspectives
• Unifying Concepts and Processes adjustment and many other things which make conventional
• Evidence, models, and explanation aviation so demanding.
Technology Standards:
Current Standard: The Designed World The propellers generate the entire ascending force, and by
• Standard 20: Students will develop an means of a selective change in rotary speed they
understanding of and be able to select and simultaneously take care of the steering. Furthermore, as
use construction technologies. opposed to helicopters, no mechanical pitch control of the
propellers is necessary whatsoever.
BACKGROUND The automatic position control and the directional control
E-volo’s 18-rotor electric Volocopter take place by means of several independent and mutually
monitoring airborne computers which control the rotation
E-volo is the winner of the 2012 Lindbergh Prize for speed of each drive separately.
Innovation
An optional, additional pusher propeller enables an even
General Information: faster flight.
The Volocopter by e-volo is a completely novel, vertical take-
off and landing (VTOL) manned aircraft, which cannot be Desired Aircraft Performance:
classified in any known category. The fact that it was • Cruising speed of at least 54 km (100 km/h)
conceived of as a purely electrically powered aircraft sets it • Flight altitude of up to 6500 ft
apart from conventional aircraft. • Maximum take-off weight of 450 kg
• M ore than one hour flight time
Through the use of its many propellers, the Volocopter can • Two persons side-by-side
take off and land vertically like a
helicopter. This is a considerable
advantage. The simple
construction without complex
mechanical devices and the
redundancy of drives enables the
safe landing of the Volocopter
even if some drives fail.

How does it work?

The controls work according to
the fly-by-wire principle very
easily by means of a joystick. As
opposed to any other aircraft, the
operation is child’s play. It takes
off and lands vertically and the
pilot pays little or no attention to
the flight path angle, minimum
speed, stall, mixture control, pitch

49
 Since it is very light weight, amazingly it is almost
indestructible in any crash, and perfect for very first time
beginners. This RC quadcopter is designed for anyone over
8 years, its flight time is around 5-6 minutes after about 6-
minutes charging. Some reviews state 5-15 flight time, so
your flight time may vary as well. It can fly in 6 directions.
They are:

• Rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise

• Move forward and backward
• Move up and down

MAIN PARTS OF A HELICOPTER

Specifications: Proto-X
• Type: Nano
Quadcopter
• Rotor Diameter
(4): 1 1/8 inch
• Overall Length:
3.5 inches
• Motor: 4-micro
brushed motors
• Overall Width:
2.5 inches
• Footprint: 2.5 x 2.1 inches (size of a soda cracker)
VOCABULARY
• Flying Weight: 0.4 oz
• Full Charge Non-stop Flying Time: 4-8 minutes
• Charging time: About 6 minutes RTF: Ready to fly means there is essentially no
• Aircraft Included Battery: 3.7V 100 mAh LiPo 1-cell battery assembly requiring tools.
(BUILT IN)
• Radio controller Batteries: 2 x “AAA” 4-Channel: Allows the helicopter to go up and down,
• Is Assembly Required: No rotate right and left, move forwards and backwards, and
• Radio Controlling Distance: 30 ft drift from side to side.
• LED lights indicating front and back

PROCEDURE

MATERIALS The Proto-X takes to the air faster than just about anything
The Proto-X costs under US $ 50.00 and comes ready you can buy. It took the included USB charger about 6
to fly with its own controller right out of the box. minutes to charge the battery. Other than that, you have to
Inside the package, you'll find: install two AAA batteries in the transmitter and you are ready
• The Proto-X nano to fly. There was a brief calibration process which consisted
quadcopter of sitting the quad on a level surface before you began flying,
• 4-channel radio but this literally takes
transmitter on 2.4 GHz 2 seconds. This is
with digital trims about as “Ready to
• Built in LiPo battery Fly” as possible.
• USB charging cable/cord
• Four replacement rotor The following is from
blades the Estes Proto-X
• 1 x Instruction Manual Nano-quadcopter
Owner’s “Instruction
Required Items Not in Kit Manual.”
• 2 “AAA” batteries for the transmitter The Proto-X Nano-
• Phillips 00 screwdriver to open/close battery case Quadcopter comes
with all required

50
materials and assemblies. You can literally buy the RTF 2. The Proto-X
helicopter, take the box to a flying location, open it up, do quadcopter is very,
the following assemblies and begin flying within a few very powerful. More
minutes. 6-Steps and that’s all there is to it! than ¼ throttle in a
normal room of a
Step 1-2: Batteries house will result in it
and Power bouncing off the
1. Install the 2 x “AAA” ceiling, wall and floor
batteries in the transmitter. before you can
2. Charging the helicopter. react. It has a lot of
This can be done in power. You are
either of two ways. warned.
(A) Directly from the
controller via a The Proto-X is a four
power cord from channel quadcopter
the controller with a mode 2
handle, or transmitter. The left
(B) From the USB stick controls throttle
interface port on a and rudder and allows
computer. her to climb, lower,
hover and turn to face
Charging time can be any direction by rotating
5-6 minutes for 6-8 to the left and the right as well as pirouetting in place. The
minutes flying. right stick allows for forward, reverse and side to side
movement as shown above.

Speed Control:
The speed in any direction can be surprisingly quick when
speed was desired and that includes climb, dive and any
horizontal direction. When flying fast you will need an
opposite direction counter command to stop the direction of
travel.

Step 3: Turning everything on and calibrating. Drift /Trim:

1. Switch on the controller The Proto X has accelerometers to supply auto leveling for
2. Switch on the a surprisingly nimble and precise flight. The digital trims work
Proto-X Nano-
Quadcopter
3. Calibration of
accelerometers on
the quadcopter.
This resets the
accelerometers for
a level flight like a
gyro. There is no
gyro-stabilization
on this quad.
4 Linking the
controller to the
Proto-X receiver,
make sure you
have a green light.

Two Cautions:
1. The controller is
smaller than you
are used to, over
correction is very
easy to do unintentionally.

51
to make adjustments with the tap of a finger. Once trimmed, 4. Use the Trim buttons to correct any drift. The Proto-X
the Proto-X will hover with only a little drift. Some pilot wants to hover if trimmed correctly.
correction is needed to maintain a hover over one spot for 5. Using the Left Knob on the controller, now rotate slowly
any length of time in even the best of operational conditions the Proto-X and coordinate with the same Left Knob for
with any rotor aircraft. power (up and down) altitude changes.

Low Battery Warnings: Moving the Throttle or accelerator up advances power and
LANDING SAFELY. When the battery voltage begins to run the rotation control to the left or right at the same time takes
low, the LEDs will begin to flash. It is time to land before the practice.
built in low voltage cut off reduces power to the motors.
6. The Right Control Knob moves the Proto-X forward/
Step 4: Flying the Proto Nano-Quadcopter. backward and left or right as in any other RC controller.
1. Set the Proto-X on a level 7. Landing is just finding a level spot and slowly throttling
spot, wait for the blinking down so the Proto-X gently lands like any rotor aircraft.
lights to be a steady red-blue
(as above).
2. Hold the Throttle Knob
“down” until the link light
turns green.
3. Move the Power Knob up a
little until you are in the air in
a stable hover.

Landing on a fingertip probably is not for the average RC

pilot, but this photo from: http://hmonghot.com/ shows it
might be possible.

Step 5 Control Test for Power.

Unlike an RC airplane, you cannot test the rudder or
ailerons. Moving the Throttle slowly forward quickly and back
will confirm you have power only.

Step 7 Control Test for Control.

Test the controls to see if parts were damaged during
shipping and handling during the first flight to ensure flight
controls function in the correct directions.

52
FLIGHT CHECKLIST EXTENSION
• Always check the area you are going to fly in. Make sure Ready to Fly (RTF) “Indoor Ultra-Light” or micro/Nano RC
other people are aware an RC quadcopter/helicopter will helicopters/aircraft can be found at any good hobby shop,
be in the area. craft & hobby stores like Hobby Lobby, and some discount
stores. It is recommended that cadets and students try a
• Switch the controller and helicopter power to “ON” variety of different types such as single rotor, counter-
• Always check the transmitter link and helicopter receiver rotating blade RC helicopters to experience the different
are linked up flight characteristics they offer a beginning RC helicopter
• Point the helicopter away from you on a flat hard surface pilot.
As a rule: RC helicopters do not like wind, not even the
• Fly the model
ceiling fan or air conditioning air movement.
• Land the model An ideal follow-on project is AEX, for Senior Members
• Switch the helicopter power to “OFF” activity one: “Electric Radio Control Model Aircraft”. The
• Switch the transmitter to “OFF.” Always turn the COX “ELECTRA J3 CUB” is an ideal next airplane for
transmitter off last students/cadets to learn to fly RC with.
If you must have some fun with RC helicopters and
• Take the Charging wire from the transmitter or USB wire quadcopters, then the LTA Helium Balloon Blimp will
and plug into the helicopter for recharging demonstrate RC flight characteristics with minimum danger
of a crash, or pilot error.
EVALUATION
Have the students/cadets practice landings in a
classroom or gym floor with a tape runway as in the CAP
RESOURCES
AEX MARC II activities 10 -16 deal with RC flying from a
AEX and explain the similarities and differences between an
beginner level through intermediate levels. All of the
RC helicopter landing and the string and stick method.
activities will challenge both a cadet as well as a senior
AEX II activity seven: “The Final Approach” is ideal to
member no matter their level of competency.
practice and get the “feel” of RC and real aircraft controls for
cadets and senior members
AEX, for Senior Members, activity one: “Electric Radio
AEX for Senior Members, activity eight: “Remote Control
Control Model Aircraft” is ideal for students/cadets to practice
Flight Simulator for Your Computer” is ideal for
and expand their RC piloting skills
students/cadets to practice and get the “feel” of an RC radio
controller.
http://www.gizmag.com/review-estes-proto-x-nano-
quadcopter/29813/
REVIEW
The Estes Control Proto-X quadcopter can be found http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20314
online and at hobby shops. Spare parts are available at both 85
MiniInTheBox.com Towerhobbies.com on line. This entry
level RC nano-quadcopter is in the $ 40-50 range and will
provide hours of basic RC training /learning for cadets and
senior members alike. This is especially true if it is used to
follow up on the free RealFlight RC Simulator available from
CAP /AE in the RC STEM kits.
STEM Kits: www.capmembers.com/stem-ed

53
 activity four
RC Electric (RTF) Quadcopter
with Video Camera
OBJECTIVES: Safely train with a fully proportional 6-channel quad copter

Fly RC indoors and outdoors

Learn to shoot video of terrain and ground objects

Activity Credit:
Credit and Permission to Reprint –
Hobbico Inc. has graciously given the
Civil Air Patrol permission to reprint the
photos and owner’s manual
instructions here for one or more of
their Ready to Fly (RTF) RC
quadcopters. More RC model aircraft,
helicopters, quadcopters, parts and
accessories can be found at
http://www.flyzoneplanes.com and
http://www.hobbico.com/. Hobbico also
provides the Real Flight RC Simulators
that have assisted RC student pilots in
gaining a well-grounded initial flying
experience at home, in their schools,
and in CAP units nationwide.

54
BACKGROUND
Unmanned Reconnaissance
Helicopter
The Fire Scout Vertical Take-Off and
Landing Tactical Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
(VTUAV) system is designed to provide
reconnaissance, situational awareness,
and precision targeting support for
ground, air and sea forces.
The Northrop Grumman MQ-8B Fire
Scout is an unmanned autonomous
helicopter developed by Northrop
Grumman for use by the United States
Armed Forces. The initial RQ-8A version
was based on the Schweizer 330, while Northrop Grumman
the enhanced MQ-8B was derived from MQ-8B Fire Scout
the Schweizer 333.
The MQ-8B complements the manned
aviation detachments onboard Air
Capable ships and is deployed along with either an SH-60B velocity. Radar-equipped MQ-8B UAVs could be useful in the
HSL/HSM detachment or a MH-60S HSC detachment. With Persian Gulf for tracking small Iranian vessels, or the Gulf of
the planned addition of RADAR, AIS, and weapons, the MQ- Aden for locating Somali pirates. Courtesy: Wikipedia
8B will provide many of the capabilities currently provided by
the SH-60B. It will give the ship and embarked air General Characteristics: MQ-8B Fire Scout
detachment greater flexibility in meeting mission demands, • Crew: 0
and will free manned aircraft for those missions. • Payload: 600 lb (272 kg)
• Length: 23.95 ft (7.3 m)
In January, 2006, an RQ-8A Fire Scout landed aboard the • Rotor diameter: 27.5 ft (8.4 m)
amphibious transport ship Nashville while it was steaming off • Height: 9.71 ft (2.9 m)
the coast of Maryland near the Patuxent River. This marked • Empty weight: 2,073 lb (940.3 kg)
the first time an unmanned helicopter had landed • Max. takeoff weight: 3,150 lb (1,430 kg)
autonomously aboard a moving U.S. Navy ship without a • Power plant: 1 × Rolls-Royce 250, 313 kW (420 hp)
pilot controlling the aircraft. The Nashville was maneuvering
as fast as 17 mph (27 km/h) during the tests.
In May 2011, three MQ-8s were deployed to
northern Afghanistan for intelligence, NATIONAL STANDARDS
surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) Science Standards:
purposes. Current Standard: Science as Inquiry
• Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
On 30 December, 2012, the Navy issued an • Understands about scientific inquiry
urgent order to install RDR-1700 maritime- Current Standard: Physical Science
surveillance radars on nine MQ-8B Fire Scouts, • Motions and forces
to be completed by the end of 2013. The Current Standard: Science and Technology
system consists of the X-band synthetic • Abilities of technological design
• Understandings about science and technology
aperture radar and a modified radome,
Current Standard: History and the Nature of Science
mounted underneath the helicopter for 360-
• Science as a human endeavor
degree coverage; it is interfaced with the UAV • Historical perspectives
and its control station. Detailed range is out to • Unifying Concepts and Processes
25 km (16 mi), with a max range of 80 km (50 • Evidence, models, and explanation
mi). The RDR-1700 can see through clouds Technology Standards:
and sandstorms and can perform terrain The Designed World
mapping or weather detection, and track 20 air • Standard 20: Students will develop an understanding of
or surface targets; a target-marker can be used and be able to select and use construction technologies.
to determine a target's range, bearing, and

55
 Afghanistan for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) purposes.

Performance MATERIALS
• Maximum speed: 115 knots Before starting on this project, you will need to contact Scott Griffith of American
(213 km/h)+ Junior Classics http://americanjuniorclassics.com/index.html and order the wing pivots
• Cruise speed: 110 knots for your cadets or CAP members. Each pivot will cost less than $3, and Scott will mail
(200 km/h) them out to you.
• Combat radius: 110 nm Balsa wood is a simple and readily available building material. While balsa wood is
(203.7 km) with 5+ hours more expensive than Styrofoam, it is readily available at hobby shops and craft stores
on station such as Hobby Lobby and Michaels. It will be used in several aero models in this
• Endurance: 8 hours booklet up to and including electric powered radio controlled aircraft. With this in mind
(typical), let’s see what we need to build this glider.
5 hours fully loaded 1. Plans: The A-J Classics “Plain Jane” glider printed printer paper.
• Service ceiling: 20,000 ft 2. Balsa wood.
(6,100 m) a. 1⁄16” by 3” by 16” sheet of balsa wood.
b. 3⁄8” sheet of balsa wood.
Sensor Ball: The Fire Scout 3. Elmer’sTM White or wood glue.
was to be fitted with a sensor 4. A hobby knife.
ball turret that carries electro- 5. 3⁄8” ball bearing or slingshot ammo.
optic and infrared cameras, 6. Modeling clay for nose weight (if needed).
and a laser range finder. 7. Several grades of sandpaper (100-320 grits).
8. Sanding block.
Courtesy: US Navy 9. A # 11 rubber band (a small one) for the pivot mechanism.
For any kind of tissue paper decals you might want to apply to your plane:
10. 3M Spray Mount (to hold the tissue paper on printer paper in the printer only).
11. Spray adhesive to attach the plan on Balsa Wood.

56
 MAIN PARTS OF A HELICOPTER

Heli-Max 1 SQ VCAM Micro Quadcopter

The “404” cost a little more, but was in a

class by itself using a rubber catapult to
loft it up a hundred feet in the air. This is the Electric Powered, 2.4GHz Radio Controlled,
Tx-R (Transmitter Ready) to Fly 1SQ V-Cam Quadcopter
from Heli-Max. This quad, while offering video recording
VOCABULARY: capabilities, is intended for beginning helicopter flyers. The
quadcopter discussed here is the Tx-R (Transmitter Ready)
Autonomous Helicopter: A pilotless Aircraft (rotary) much version that includes servos, an ESC and receiver.
like a UAV or UAS, is flown remotely or monitored by ground
personnel (a pilot) at a remote site/location. Below are MQ-
8B Fire Scout UAV pilots in action.

RTF: Ready to fly means there is essentially no assembly

requiring tools.

6-Channel: 6-channels: Allows the helicopter to go up and

down, rotate right and left, move forwards and backwards,
and drift from side to side.

Micro: your typical RC helicopter or quadcopter found in

Brookstone, Radio Shack, and such, about 6-12 inches in
length and width, fits in palm of your hand, and battery
powered.

TAGS: (Triple Axis Gyro Stabilization) The TAGS gyro Specifications: Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM Quadcopter
system stabilizes all three axes (yaw, roll and pitch), so • Type: Micro Quadcopter
external forces will not adversely affect performance. • Rotor Diameter (4): 2.2 inches
• Body/Frame Overall Length: 4.5 inches
• Body/Frame Overall Width: 5.5 inches
• Footprint (inc. Rotors): 5.75 x 5.75 inches (size of adult
hand)
• Motor: 4-micro brushed motors
• Flying Weight: 1.1 oz
• Full Charge Non-stop Flying Time: 10 - 12 minutes
• Charging time: About 45+ minutes
• Aircraft Included Battery: 3.7V 100 mAh LiPo 1-cell
battery (BUILT IN)
• Radio controller Batteries: 2 x “AAA”
• Is Assembly Required: No
• Radio Controlling Distance: 60 ft
• LED lights indicating front and back, when imaging and
when batteries are low (about to quit)

57
 mail order on line. Some reviews state 5-15 minutes flight
time, so your flight time may vary as well. It can fly in 6
directions. They are:
• Rotate clockwise and counter-clockwise
• Move forward and backward
• Move up and down
• Auto flip

Special Features:
• TAGs-FX: Sensor Fusion Stabilization System!**
• Video camera activated by transmitter to turn on/off
• Has auto flip with the press of a transmitter control
• Each motor pod illuminated with an LED for flying at
twilight or after dark

* TAGS-FX Sensor Fusion Stabilization System features a 3-

The Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM costs under $ 130.00 and comes
axis gyro and a 3-axis accelerometer. This system corrects
ready to fly with its own controller right out of the box.
for drift as well as unwanted movement in yaw, pitch and roll.
Allows new pilots to enjoy unprecedented confidence and
experts gain the precision to execute perfect maneuvers!

PROCEDURE
The Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM takes to the air out of the box
in a matter of 10-15 minutes. The following is from the Heli-
Max 1 SQ V CAM Mini-quadcopter Owner’s “Instruction
Manual.”
The Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM Mini-quadcopter comes with
all required materials and assemblies. You can literally buy
the RTF helicopter, take the box to a flying location, open it
up, do the following assemblies and begin flying within a few
minutes. 6-Steps and that’s all there is to it!

Safety Tips
Inside the package, you'll find: This quadcopter can cut grass and certainly nick a finger
or two. Follow these safety precautions when operating this
• The 1SQ V-Cam quadcopter with digital camera or any model helicopter.
• A 6-channel 2.4GHz SLT radio transmitter Keep your face and body as well as all spectators away
• Four AA batteries from the plane of rotation of the rotors whenever the battery
• One 250mAH LiPo battery is connected.
• A USB LiPo battery charger • Keep these items away from the rotors: loose clothing,
• A 2 GB Micro SD card shirt sleeves, ties, scarves, long hair or loose objects
• A USB Micro SD card reader such as pencils or screwdrivers that may fall out of shirt
• Four extra rotor blades or jacket pockets into the rotors.
• A small screwdriver • The spinning blades of a model helicopter can cause
• An instruction manual serious injury. When choosing a flying site for your 1SQ
Quadcopter, stay clear of buildings, trees and power
Required Items Not in Kit lines. AVOID flying in or near crowded areas. DO NOT
• 2 “AAA” batteries for the transmitter fly close to people, children or pets.
• Phillips 00 screwdriver to open/close battery case • Maintain a safe pilot-to-helicopter distance while flying.
• Your 1SQ Quadcopter should not be considered a toy,
Since it is very lightweight, it amazingly recovers from most but rather a sophisticated, working model that
hard landings and is perfect for very first time beginners. functions very much like a full-size helicopter. Because
This RC quadcopter is designed for cadets and adults 12 of its performance capabilities, the 1SQ Quadcopter, if
years old and older. It has a flight time around 10 - 12 not operated correctly, could possibly cause injury to
minutes after about 45-minutes charging time. For this yourself or spectators and damage to property.
reason a spare battery or two (fully charged) is • Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so may
recommended. Batteries for this quad are about $5.50 each result in an unsafe or unflyable model.

58
 • You must check the operation of the model before Step 3: Transmitter Controls
every flight to ensure that all equipment is operating All controls are described with the tail pointing directly
and that the model has remained structurally sound. toward you. This is the best way to fly in the beginning since
Be sure to check linkages or other connectors often it keeps the control
and replace them if they show any signs of wear or inputs oriented the
fatigue. same direction. Once
• This 1SQ Quadcopter uses a lithium polymer (LiPo) you start getting
battery. Follow these precautions on the instruction comfortable you can
sheet to ensure safe and trouble free operation. work on side hovering
and nose-in.
Step 1-2: Batteries and Power * For new pilots
1. Install the 4 x “AA” batteries in the transmitter. flying a quadcopter for
2. Charging the quadcopter LiPo battery. This can be the first time or if you
done from the USB interface port on a computer or are not to sure of
your car when you are in the field. yourself ALWAYS push
down on the right
control to change
modes so you see a
half circle below.

The TX410 has two

flight rates that control
how aggressive the
Quad feels during
Plug the USB charger into your USB port. The indicator flight. The high rate is
light will remain off. good for outdoors and low rate is good for indoors or smooth
precise flying. Adjust the rates by pushing and holding the
right stick, then moving the throttle to read between 30 and
40, then let go of the right stick.

Step 4: Turning everything on and calibrating.

Plug the battery into the charger. The indicator light will
glow solid, indicating that the battery is being charged. Once
the battery is completely charged, the indicator light will flash
slowly. Disconnect the battery from the charger. Under
normal operating conditions, the battery may take up to 60
minutes to recharge.

Slide the
flight battery
into the battery
compartment
and plug in the
battery. The
connectors are
very small, so
take your time
doing this.
NOTE: The quad will be “ON” at this point.
Safety: Electric motors are very dangerous. Do not
work on the model while the flight battery is plugged in
as interference may cause the main rotor blades to spin,
possibly causing injury to yourself.

59
Step 5: Flying the Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM. The TAG System is going to work as trim tabs throughout
The Heli-Max 1SQ Quadcopter is lightweight. Therefore, your flight. It will be correcting for small air currents and drift
you should only fly indoors or in calm winds less than 5 mph. as much as it can.
It should be flown in a large area of at least 75 feet [15.25m]
square with no obstacles. The Video Camera System

Crashing
If you have operated radio control models in the past,
then you probably already realize that it is not a matter of “if”
you are going to crash, it is a matter of “when” you are going
to crash. Once you realize the model is going to collide with
something or crash into the ground, you should always bring
the throttle stick all the way down to stop the rotor blades
from rotating. If you can remember to do this, chances are
you will not damage the quad in the crash.

Takeoff
We recommend low rates for indoor and your first flights,
and high rates for outdoors. Slowly add power, observe the
model and make all of the necessary corrections to keep the
model level. You will notice that the quad is very responsive. The 2 GB SD card inserts into the side port of the camera
Only small corrections are needed to maintain a steady under the 1SQ V-CAM. The battery for the V-CAM is self
hover. With the TAGS system, no trimming is needed. contained and never needs recharging.

Hovering
Once the quadcopter is up in the air, try to hold the
quadcopter in one spot.
If this is your first model quadcopter, it will require some
practice. Wind or air currents have a big effect on the stability
of the quadcopter. Be patient and try to anticipate where the
quadcopter will move. Remember: Small corrections!

Landing
From a steady hover, slowly decrease power until the
quad settles onto the ground.

Basic Maneuvers
Slow Pirouettes – Add a small amount of left stick (left or
right) and try rotating the quad slightly sideways and see if The buttons for video and single image taking are on the
you can hold it there. Once you start getting comfortable, try reverse side of the controller. When flying the 1SQ V-CAM,
rotating the quad further. Rotating the quad around 360° is your left index finger will be on the video button, and your
called a pirouette. The quad can drift during these so make right index finger on the picture (single image)
sure you have plenty of room when you first start practicing.
Nose-in Hovering – After pirouettes it’s time to move on After imaging unplug the 1 SQ V-CAM battery then
to nose-in hovering. remove the SD card. The 1SQ V-CAM comes with a USB
Take off and climb to 10 feet [3m]. Practice half pirouettes Micro SD card
from tail-in to nose-in hovering and try to lengthen the delay reader (two photos
in between. This will give you a little practice nose-in and still above). The 2 GB
give you a chance to get out of trouble. As your skills SD card inserts into
improve you’ll remain nose-in for longer periods of time. the USB Micro SD
Forward Flight – Now it’s time to work into basic forward Card reader which
flight. From a hover, point the nose away from you and push goes easily into a
the right stick forward. (Small movements!) To stop, pull back USB port on your
slightly to slow down and then move the stick to center. computer. You can
During flight, you may have to add or reduce throttle to then download your
maintain a constant altitude. Practice controlled slow flight in images and videos.
close as well. The more time you spend practicing here the *1SQ V-CAM &
easier things will be later on. 1Si w/CAMERA

60
TECHNICAL TIP REVIEW
To minimize The Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM can be found online and at
any chance of data hobby shops. Spare parts are available at both
being lost on the MiniInTheBox.com and Towerhobbies.com on line. This
micro SD card, do entry level RC nano-quadcopter is in the 140 dollar range,
not insert or and will provide hours of basic RC training /learning for
remove the card cadets and senior members alike. This is especially true if it
from the camera is used to follow up on the free RealFlight RC Simulator
until the battery is available from CAP /AE in the RC STEM kits.
unplugged from STEM Kits: www.capmembers.com/stem-ed
the quadcopter. Authors first flight test images
EVALUATE:
Have the students/cadets practice landings in a
classroom or gym floor with a tape runway as in the CAP
AEX and explain the similarities and differences between an
RC helicopter landing and the string and stick method.
AEX II Activity Seven: “The Final Approach” is ideal to
practice and get the “feel” of RC and real aircraft controls for
cadets and senior members.
FLIGHT CHECKLIST AEX for Senior Members, Activity Eight: “Remote Control
• Always check the area you are going to fly in. Make Flight Simulator for Your Computer” is ideal for
sure other people are aware that an RC students/cadets to practice and get the “feel” of an RC radio
quadcopter/helicopter will be in the area controller.
• Switch the controller and helicopter power to “ON”
• Always check the transmitter link and helicopter RESOURCES:
receiver are linked up AEX MARC II Activities 10 -16 deal with RC flying from a
• Point the helicopter away from you on a flat hard beginner level through intermediate levels. All of the
surface activities will challenge both a cadet as well as a senior
• Fly the model member no matter their level of competency.
• Land the model AEX, for Senior Members, Activity One: “Electric Radio
• Switch the helicopter power to “OFF” Control Model Aircraft” is ideal for students/cadets to practice
• Switch the transmitter to “OFF.” Always turn the and expand their RC piloting skills.
transmitter off last
• Take the Charging wire from the transmitter or USB
wire and plug into the helicopter for recharging INFORMATION ON THE
HELI-MAX 1 SQ V CAM:
http://www.helimax-rc.com/helicopters/hmxe0836-
EXTENSION 1sqvcam/index.html
Ready to Fly (RTF) “Indoor Ultra-Light” or Micro/Nano RC
helicopters/aircraft can be found at any good hobby shop, Parts and information: http://www.helimax-
craft & hobby stores like Hobby Lobby, and some discount rc.com/helicopters/hmxe0834-1sq/index.html
stores. It is recommended that cadets and students try a
variety of different types such as single rotor, counter- REVIEWS:
rotating blade RC helicopters to experience the different
http://www.quadhangar.com/reviews.php?p=helimax-
flight characteristics they offer a beginning RC helicopter
1sq-quadcopter-review
pilot.
As a rule: RC Nano and Micro-helicopters do not like http://www.gizmag.com/review-heli-max-1sq-v-cam-
wind, not even the ceiling fan or air conditioning air quadcopter/28055/
movement. The Heli-Max 1 SQ V CAM operates well in a http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-
breeze as it has the power to do so plus the TAG bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDLNK
System. http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=
An ideal follow-on project is AEX, for Senior Members 1889697
Activity One: “Electric Radio Control Model Aircraft”. The
COX “ELECTRA J3 CUB” is an ideal next airplane for
students/cadets to learn to fly RC with.
If you must have some fun with RC copters the LTA
Helium Balloon Blimp will demonstrate RC flight
characteristics with minimum danger of a crash, or pilot
error.

61
 Glossary
A Glossary of sUAV RC Airplane Terms
2.4 GHz - the frequency band of the newest, Airpatch - the AMA flying field, park or open field you are
interference-free “spread spectrum” digital RC systems that currently flying at.
have all but replaced the traditional MHz ones. Altitude - the vertical distance between your RC airplane
2 stroke - the most common type of glow plug engine for and the ground, usually expressed in feet ('). It is just the
RC airplanes. The fuel/air mixture is drawn in, ignited and fancy way of saying height.
spat out with one single revolution of the piston inside the Angle of Attack - the angle of the wing when viewed
engine. from the end in relation to the horizontal airflow when the
4 stroke - the 2nd most common type of glow plug airplane is flying. It has nothing to do with your incoming
engine, much more suitable for larger and scale planes trajectory when trying to cut the tail off your friend's plane in
because they sound more realistic. 4 stroke engines take 2 aerial combat games.
revolutions to do what a 2 stroke does in one, but this doesn't ARC - “Almost Ready to Crash.” It is an RC aircraft that
make them twice as lazy. knows something that the pilot is just about to find out.
3D - a complex form of advanced aerobatic flying. 3D ARF / ARTF - “Almost Ready To Fly.” This one's a
airplanes have over-sized control surfaces, exaggerated legitimate abbreviation. An ARF airplane needs a few small
control surface deflection and excess power for maximum finishing touches and you have to install the engine/motor
performance and sensitivity. Many 3D maneuvers are and radio gear yourself. They vary in degrees of
performed at very slow speeds, often with the plane at the completeness, from manufacturer to manufacturer.
point of stall.
Attitude - not the obvious meaning, but in the flying world
Aerobatic - any maneuver or series of maneuvers that 'attitude' refers to the angle of the plane in relation to the
involve stunts of any kind, such as loops, rolls and spins. An horizontal e.g. "My plane had a very nose-down attitude,
airplane that is capable of performing such stunts is said to from which it would not recover..." Well, in this case you
be "fully aerobatic". could say that your plane had a “very bad attitude”!
Aeromodeling - the general term used to describe the Barrel roll - is an aerobatic maneuver that involves the
hobby of building and flying model airplanes and aircraft. airplane following the twist of a large imaginary corkscrew
Aeromodelers are the guys and gals that do it. (horizontal) through the air.
Ailerons - the moving section of the trailing edge (TE) of BEC - Battery Eliminating Circuit. It is a common feature
the wing, located toward the outer end, or they can be the of ESCs, whereby the ESC supplies a regulated 5V to the
whole length of the TE. Ailerons come in pairs, (left and right) radio control gear (receiver and servos) from the flight
and always work in opposite directions to each other (one battery pack. BECs can be of the linear variety (constant
up, one down). When used, they cause the airplane to roll to current flow) or the switching variety, whereby they turn the
the left or right. power on and off thousands of times per second.
Aileron Differential - when the ailerons are set up to Bind-N-Fly (BNF) - a trademark name for a range of
move upwards more than downwards, to counteract any Horizon Hobby distributed aircraft (namely ParkZone & E-
adverse yaw during a turn caused by extra drag on the outer flite) whereby the model is sold in RTF form but lacks the
wing from the down aileron. transmitter. A DSM2/DSMX compatible receiver is included
Air brakes - often found on, but not limited to, larger though so you just, er, bind and fly.
gliders. An air brake is a small panel that pops up vertically Binding - a 2.4GHz receiver needs to be “bound” to the
from the top surface of the wing (or fuselage). The sudden transmitter before it can receive signals from it. The process
extra drag slows the plane. involves the Rx identifying a unique code being emitted from
Airfoil - the cross-section shape of a wing. Airfoils can the Tx, and then the two components lock together on an
be flat-bottomed, under-cambered, semi-symmetrical or available frequency. The process usually takes only a few
symmetrical, depending on the style of airplane and what it seconds accomplish.
needs to do. Also written as aerofoil, depending on which Brushless motor - type of electric motor used in RC
country you are in. Different shape airfoils have different lift electric aircraft. Brushless motors are much more powerful
generating properties. than traditional brushed motors, and have become the norm.

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They can be inrunner or outrunner motors. landing.
Buddy Box - one of the best training aids, where the Crow - just another (more common) name for RC glider
student's transmitter is attached via cable to the instructor's. Butterfly braking.
The student has complete control over the airplane, but at Crystal - the small component that determines which
the flick of a switch the instructor can take control if the channel number you fly on, when using an MHz RC system.
student gets into difficulties. Or just to be mean, funny or Both Tx and Rx need to have an identically matching crystal
annoying. for the radio set to function. 2.4GHz spread spectrum sets
Bulkhead - the foremost former of your airplane, on to don't require crystals.
which the engine is mounted. It is also called a firewall. Dead stick - when your airplane's motor cuts out
Bungee launch - a popular method of launching RC unexpectedly in mid-air. With any luck you'll have enough
gliders. altitude to glide safely in for a nice landing, otherwise you
Butterfly - not a cute little flying insect, but the name may need to use your plastic bag.
given to a type of air-braking method on RC gliders, whereby Dihedral - the upward angle of the wings when viewed
the flaps go down and the ailerons go up simultaneously. from the front. An airplane with dihedral is more stable in the
The lowered flaps create high drag, while the raised ailerons air than one without.
reduce lift. This combination makes landing a fast glider Disorientation - when you lose sight of which way up
easy. your RC airplane is and what it's doing, either because it's
Centre of Gravity (CG) - the airplane's point of fore-aft too far away to see properly or because of low light levels,
balance, or the point at which all gravitational forces act on or you've just flown it directly over your head and
the plane. As a very general rule of thumb, it's found momentarily lost all visual reference to everything. Not much
approximately 1/4 to 1/3 of the way back from the leading fun when it gets you.
edge of the wing and is built in during the design stage. Drag - the force that is created by the movement of the
Centre of Lift (CL) - the point at which all forces of lift act airplane through the air, on the air immediately surrounding
on the plane. Typically the CG needs to be in front of the CL the plane. Higher drag means that the plane has to work
for a plane to be stable and flyable. harder to cut through the air. Low drag, oddly enough,
Channel - 2 meanings for this in the RC world. First, it means the opposite.
can be the number of channels that the model has, e.g. a 1 A real drag is the term used to describe your flying day
channel model may have just motor or rudder control while when it's not going to according to plan.
a 2 channel model will have motor and rudder, etc. Second, DSM/DSM2/DSMX - a type of technology developed by
the channel number refers to the radio frequency which Spectrum for their spread spectrum 2.4GHz RC systems.
you're using, when using an MHz system. 2.4GHz systems Stands for Digital Spectrum Modulation, the “2” and the “X”
don't utilize the same frequency channels. just being the updated versions of the original. This is just
Chicken stick - A wooden/plastic stick with a rubber one of many branded abbreviations for particular 2.4GHz
coating on one half that you use to flick over the propeller, RC technology names.
instead of using your finger. This can also be a tough rubber Dual rates - a feature of many RC systems, whereby the
sleeve that you put on your finger if starting the motor by control surface deflection can be reduced while still
hand to give essential protection from the propeller. maintaining full movement of the transmitter sticks. With dual
Control horn - plastic or metal piece that is attached to rates enabled, the airplane is less (or more) sensitive to
a control surface, onto which the servo linkage is connected. control inputs. Typically dual rates are activated by flicking a
Control surface - the term used to describe the moving toggle switch on the transmitter.
part of any flying surface. Rudder, elevator and ailerons are Electric starter - a glorified 12 volt electric motor with a
all control surfaces. special end cup that you place over the spinner to turn an IC
Control surface mixing - when two control surface engine over until it starts, hopefully.
operations are performed by one pair of surfaces e.g. when Elevator - the moving section at the rear of the horizontal
aileron and elevator movement is combined into elevons. stabilizer, or tailplane that controls the pitch attitude of the
Channel mixing - when two or more channels are made airplane i.e. whether the nose of the plane points up or
to operate together with one transmitter stick movement e.g. down.
rudder can be mixed with aileron so that the rudder Elevons - when elevator and aileron control is made by
automatically deflects when the ailerons are moved. the same control surface, this surface is called an elevon(s).
Crosswind - when the wind is blowing at, or Only possible with a channel mixing facility on the RC set.
approximately, 90 degrees to your line of flight, take off or EP - Electric Power: The alternative to gas engines (IC).

63
 ESC - Electronic Speed Controller - the small unit that Glow plug - sits in the top of the engine's cylinder head
delivers the appropriate amount of power from the motor and contains an electrical filament that glows red hot to ignite
battery pack to the motor, depending on your input at the the fuel/air mixture in the combustion chamber. Glow plugs
transmitter. It also supplies power to the receiver and servos, have an uncanny habit of burning out on the one day that
via the BEC. you've run out of spare ones, and no-one else is at the flying
FASST - Futaba's answer to Spectrum’s DSM field.
technology. Stands for Futaba Advanced Spread Spectrum Glow plug igniter / starter - used to ignite the glow plug.
Technology and uses warp-speed frequency hopping to Obviously.
ensure no breakdown of signal. Gravity - the force that every RC airplane is trying to
Field box - a box that you take to the field. It contains all beat. RC pilots are often caught out when gravity decides to
your flying accessories and tools, except the one thing that have some fun and suddenly increases its strength without
you need on the day when nobody else is at the field to help warning. This common phenomenon is also known as pilot
you out. It is also often called a flight box, particularly when error or radio failure.
it gets kicked through the air just after you've written off your Hand launch - the way to launch any flying aircraft
airplane. without an undercarriage. The model should be held level at
Field equipment - The accessories and equipment that head-height and launched into wind. A hefty shove is
you take to the airfield in your field box less the one crucial needed, but don't throw the model like a ball. Alternatively an
thing that you need... underarm lob gets the job done with a low wing plane, if
Fin - also called the vertical stabilizer, it's the vertical you're feeling confident.
surface at the rear of the airplane used to stabilize the plane High winger - a plane that has the wing sitting on top of
in flight. the fuselage. Trainers are typically high wingers, and the
Flaps - moving sections of the trailing edge of the wing, high wing position gives good stability in the air.
usually found between the ailerons and fuselage. Used to Horizontal stabilizer - also called the tailplane. It is the
create more lift at slower flying speeds and also to slow the horizontal surface at the back of the fuselage, to which the
plane on landing approach, flaps are usually only found on elevators are attached. The tailplane's job is to generate a
RC airplanes with 5 or more channels. downward force, to counteract the natural tendency for a
Flaperons - a single control surface on the trailing edge plane to want to nose-dive into the ground.
of each wing that does the job of flaps and ailerons. An RC IC - internal combustion, the general term given to
system with control mixing capability is needed to have engines that are fuel powered - glow plug, petrol, diesel...
flaperons. They are the alternative to EP.
Flare - the action taken in the last few seconds of the Inrunner - a type of brushless motor where the
landing approach, to reduce the approach angle and slow permanent magnets and motor shaft rotate within the fixed
the rate of descent. Forgetting this crucial action may result stator, as in a normal brushed motor. Inrunners don't provide
in you needing your plastic bag. a lot of torque and often need to be geared. If un-geared
Frequency - all radio control gear works on frequencies. (direct drive) they are good for turning small props at high
Although not 100% infallible, 2.4 gig RC systems do away RPM.
with the old issue of unwelcome interference from other Landing - the action of bringing your RC airplane safely
transmitters being operated nearby, and so frequency back down to earth, hopefully keeping it in one piece. A good
control is not needed. Just one reason why 2.4GHz radios landing negates the use of the plastic bag.
are so great - you can just switch on and fly, without having Landing gear - also called the undercarriage. Landing
to worry about who else is flying in the same area. gear refers to all wheels and associated bits. Landing gear
Fuel lock - when your glow engine gets flooded and the can be fixed or retractable up into the underside of the wing
excess fuel inside the engine prevents you from being able or fuselage (called 'retracts', usually only found on planes
to flick over the prop. It usually happens if you've over- with 5 channels or more).
primed the engine, and if you're starting the engine by hand Leading Edge (LE) - the front edge of the wing, tailplane
you really know about it. or rudder.
Fuselage - the main body of an airplane, excluding Lift - the force created by the forward motion of the
wings, tail and everything else. Flying wing type planes, airplane's wing. Air pressure over the wing is less than the
oddly enough, don't have much in the way of a fuselage. pressure below the wing and so the wing, along with the rest
of the plane, is pushed upwards. Lift generation is actually a
complex subject.

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 Li-Po - stands for lithium ion polymer battery. These are Peg board - the most common form of frequency control
the most modern kind of battery packs being used in electric used at RC flying clubs. Pilots must notify other pilots of
aircraft. They provide enormous amounts of power for their which channel they are using by pushing a peg into a hole.
size, especially when used in conjunction with a brushless Not necessary with 2.4GHz systems.
motor. Pilot error - any mistake, particularly one that ends in a
Loop - is an aerobatic maneuver whereby the airplane crash, made by the pilot for whatever reasons. Pilot error is
flies a vertical circle in the air. The easiest stunt of all to do never admitted to by the pilot in question. Instead, the
and any airplane with an elevator can do them. Just make incident is traditionally put down to radio failure, radio
sure you're not flying too close to the ground first... interference, unexplained gusts of wind, extra fast-growing
Mid-air - term used to describe the unfortunate incident trees, the strange phenomenon of the ground suddenly
of two or more aircraft making physical contact with each lifting upwards and getting in the way without warning, or
other while in flight. A mid-air collision can be very gravity having some fun and suddenly increasing its
spectacular given the correct speeds and trajectories of strength.
each model, and all models involved in such a crowd- Pitch attitude - the upward or downward angle of the
pleasing incident almost always end up going home in the airplane in relation to the horizontal, when viewed from the
plastic bag. side. Pitch attitude is controlled by the elevators.
Mixing - the ability to combine two different RC functions Pitch - the angle of a wing, propeller blade or helicopter
into one. See control surface mixing and channel mixing rotor in relation to the airflow over it. The pitch angle of a
above. moving wing or blade is known as the Angle of Attack.
Mode 1 - refers to the set-up of the transmitter whereby Plug-N-Play (PNP) - Ready to Fly RC aircraft that are
the left stick operates the elevator and rudder, and the right missing the transmitter and receiver, allowing the pilot to use
stick operates the throttle and ailerons. his/her own.
Mode 2 - refers to the set-up of the transmitter whereby Power panel - a small central control box for all your
the left stick operates the throttle and rudder, and the right electrical field equipment items, typically powered by a 12V
stick operates the elevator and ailerons. This is the most battery. Used by fliers that fly IC powered planes to power
common transmitter mode. their electric starter, glow plug igniter, fuel pump etc.
NiCD - abbreviation for nickel cadmium, which is a type Pre-flight checks - essential checks that you need to
of metal used in rechargeable battery cell production. Also carry out immediately before flight.
written as “NiCad’s,” they are a form of rechargeable battery Priming - the action of introducing fuel in to an IC engine
cell used in radio control gear as well as motor battery packs. prior to starting it. Over-priming often causes fuel lock.
NiCad’s are being used less and less these days, as NiMh
and Li-Po batteries take over. Propeller - the thing at the front of the airplane. It spins
round very fast when the motor is running. Propellers have
NiMh - An abbreviation for nickel metal hydride which is been known to eat the fingers of careless RC pilots who
the other type of material used in rechargeable batteries. hand start their motor without the use of a chicken stick.
They are the successors to NiCad’s with much better Props will fly off at an alarming speed, if the securing nut
performance and up to 3 times the capacity for an equally hasn't been tightened properly.
sized battery.
Prop - abbreviation for propeller.
Nitro - short for nitro methane, or nitromethane,
depending on who you believe. It's a principle ingredient of Prop-hanging - a 3D maneuver whereby the plane is put
glow fuel and, while not essential, helps to keep the fuel/air into a vertical attitude but is held at the same altitude i.e. it
mixture burning inside the oxygen-starved combustion doesn't climb or fall, very close to the ground. RC pilots who
chamber of the engine. A 10% nitro mix is a common one prop-hang over the club airpatch often frustrate other RC
for general RC glow plug plane flying. pilots who actually want to fly their planes.

Non-scale - any model aircraft that is not modeled from Radio failure - very occasionally this happens, but the
a real-life airplane, helicopter or whatever, i.e. a completely uncontrollable actions of the aircraft are usually down to pilot
made up design. error, not that they'd ever admit to it.

Outrunner - the other type of brushless motor, where the Radio interference - when two (or more) identical, or
outer casing, or “can” of the motor rotates with the shaft and close, frequencies are being used at the same time the radio
permanent magnets, which are attached to the inside of the signals will mix together, so your aircraft's receiver won't
can. Outrunners produce more torque, so they are more know which ones to respond to. Radio interference is also a
powerful than Inrunners and are rarely geared. good cover-up for pilot error. 2.4GHz RC systems pretty
much eliminate radio interference altogether.
Park Flyer - the general name given to any electric RC
airplane that can be safely flown in a public park / school Radio signals - the invisible messages that pass from
yard / parking lot / sports field etc. transmitter to receiver, telling the aircraft what to do.

65
 Range check - an essential pre-flight check to test the Spin - an aerobatic maneuver whereby the airplane is
operation and signal strength of your RC gear. flown vertically down towards the ground, while being made
RC or R/C - An abbreviation for Radio Control. Often to rotate about its longitudinal axis (i.e. roll). Easy to get into
you'll see “remote control”, but “radio control” is the one but not always so easy to get out of, especially when
technically correct term. the airplane-to-ground distance has been badly judged. In
this instance, you will need to use the plastic bag, and I
RC flight simulator - a home computer based training speak from experience!
aid that lets you practice flying radio control from the safety
and comfort of your house. Excellent for novice RC pilots, Spinner - the plastic or aluminum cone-shaped piece
but equally great for fliers of any age and experience. that covers the centre of the propeller. Planes without
spinners never quite look complete.
Receiver - part of the radio control gear that lives inside
the aircraft and picks up the radio signals being emitted by Sport airplanes - a general term for model airplanes that
the transmitter. can be used for training on but are also capable of aerobatic
maneuvers, whether intentional or not.
Retracts - abbreviation for “retractable undercarriage”,
which is an undercarriage that folds up into the airplane's Spread spectrum - the latest technology for radio control
wings or fuselage after take off. They work most of the time, systems. Based on the 2.4GHz frequency band, spread
but sometimes they decide not to re-appear just when you spectrum radio systems are virtually interference-proof,
need them the most. although it's now realized that 2.4GHz RC systems are not
as infallible as first thought. 2.4 gig systems have all but
Roll - the rotational movement of an airplane about its replaced the traditional MHz ones.
longitudinal axis. An aerobatic maneuver whereby the
airplane is rolled about its longitudinal axis through 360 Stall - any flying airplane will stall when the wing's Angle
degrees, while trying to keep the aircraft flying in a straight of Attack increases beyond the critical point of maximum lift
line. generation, or the flying speed gets too low. When either of
these things happens, the necessary amount of lift needed
RTC - Ready to Crash. RTC aircraft that are in the throws to hold the aircraft in the air is lost. Getting to know your RC
of making unplanned air to ground contact, and nothing can plane's stalling speed by reducing throttle and applying up
be done to prevent it. Usually a result of pilot error, but never elevator at the same time is a very good idea, but don't
admitted to. practice too close to the ground if you want to avoid using
RTF - Ready to Fly. RTF aircraft that can be assembled the plastic bag.
in minutes, usually it's a case of just strapping on the wing. Stall turn - an aerobatic maneuver whereby the airplane
RTFs are very popular these days. is put into a short vertical climb. At the top of the climb, power
Rudder - the moving section on the back half of the fin. is reduced and full rudder is applied. The airplane should
It is used to control the airplane's yaw. stop and turn through 180 degrees, pivoting on its tail in
Rx - An abbreviation for radio receiver. whichever direction rudder was applied. Then you need to
pull out of the ensuing dive.
Scale - any model aircraft that has been modeled from a
real aircraft, such as a Piper Cub or P-51 Mustang for Straight and level - when your RC airplane is flying in a
example. straight line, with no fluctuation in altitude. A well trimmed
airplane should fly straight and level with the Tx control
Semi-scale - any model aircraft that is loosely based on
surface sticks in their central positions.
a real aircraft, with maybe a few details left out or proportions
changed. Take off - the action of accelerating your airplane along
the ground until flying speed is reached, and the thing gets
Servo - the part of the radio control gear that converts
airborne. Only suitable for planes with an undercarriage,
the radio signal into movement.
otherwise you're limited to hand launching.
Servo arm or horn - the plastic or metal piece fixed to
Tail dragger or Taildragger - Is an airplane that has 2
the servo output shaft, onto which the linkage connects.
main wheels and a small tail wheel or skid. Taildraggers
Servo linkage - the piece of metal or plastic rod (or have a habit of going round in circles on the ground when
thread/cable) that connects a servo arm to its control surface you're learning how to take off.
or function. Clevises are commonly used at the ends of the
Tailplane - see horizontal stabilizer.
linkages, to clip to the servo/control horns.
Tail wind - when the wind is blowing in the same
Servo reverse - a feature whereby the direction of the
direction as your plane is flying, taking off or landing. Flying
servo horn movement can be reversed. This can happen if
with a tail wind not only increases the plane's airspeed, but
the builder has been daft enough to install the servo the
also its stalling speed, and that's never good. You should
wrong way round.
never take off or land with the wind.
Slow Flyer - different name for Park Flyer, an RC aircraft
Thrust - the force that is generated by the spinning
that is experiencing engine problems, or a very strong
propeller or fan/turbine of the airplane, and pushes/pulls the
headwind.
aircraft through the air.

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 Trailing Edge (TE) - the rear edge of the wing, tailplane
or rudder.
Trainer - any RC airplane that has been designed for
learning to fly on. Usually trainers are high wing, with plenty
of dihedral.
Transmitter - the main part of the radio control system
that you hold in your hands while trying to control your RC
airplane.
Trimming - the action of getting your plane to fly straight
and level, with the transmitter sticks in their neutral positions
and no input from you.
Tricycle undercarriage - a fixed undercarriage that
consists of 2 main wheels and a nose wheel, which is
sometimes connected to the rudder servo for easier ground
handling. Often abbreviated as “a trike”.
Tx - A common abbreviation for a transmitter.
UBEC - Universal Battery Eliminating Circuit, a common
brand name that's come to be used for standalone BECs, in
the same way that the name Hoover is often used to
describe a vacuum cleaner. When an ESC's (Electronic
Speed Controller) built-in BEC isn't man enough to do the
job (for example, if your plane has high current servos) then
a more powerful standalone UBEC can be used instead,
perhaps along with a separate battery pack if needs be.
Common in larger RC planes.
Undercarriage - see landing gear.
Vertical stabilizer - see fin.
Windsock - a large material cone-shaped tube,
horizontally mounted on a tall pole at the flying field that
indicates the direction of the wind. Important because RC
airplanes need to be taken off and landed into wind where
possible, so the pilot needs to know the wind direction.
Wing - come on, seriously??
Wing loading - a calculation that is useful when
determining certain flight performance characteristics of a
plane, the figure is obtained by dividing the flying weight of
the airplane by the total wing area. A plane with large wings
relative to its weight will have a lower wing loading, which
means better lifting capacity but not so great high speed
performance, and vice versa. Wing loading values for RC
planes are commonly given in Oz/sq.ft. (ounces per square
foot), or less commonly the decimal equivalent.
Wingspan - the overall length of the wing, from tip to tip.
Wingspan is the primary measurement when referring to an
airplane's size, and it's commonly stated in inches (") or
millimeters (mm).
Yaw - the rotational movement of an aircraft about its
vertical axis, controlled by the rudder.

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 Glossary
A glossary of UAV and Drone-related terms
The world of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) makes ArduCopter (AC, AC2) - rotary-wing autopilot software
use of a variety of acronyms and other aerospace for the ArduPilot Mega electronics
engineering terms not normally found in common ArduPlane - fixed-wing autopilot software for the
conversation. Presented here is an attempt to normalize the ArduPilot Mega electronics.
discussion, and readings that are to follow with a common
language and use of UAV terminology. Autonomous flight - Some UAVs are controlled not by
a human sending radio signals but by internal programming
2.4 GHz - the frequency used by digital (spread that tells it where to fly. For example, a UAV may use its on-
spectrum) radio communications in most current board GPS system to fly from one predetermined point to
applications, including 2.4 GHz RC, Bluetooth and some another.
video transmission equipment. This is a different band than
the older 72 MHz band that is used for analog RC BEC - Battery Elimination Circuit. A voltage regulator
communications. It allows the radio transmitter to select an found in ESCs (see below) and as a stand-alone product. It
un-used frequency to communicate with a UAV, avoiding is designed to provide constant 5v voltage for RC
conflicts with other users in the same vicinity. equipment, autopilots and other onboard electronics.

72 MHz - a radio-frequency used since the first radio C-130 motherships - the Lockheed DC-130 was a
control systems for models were built over half a century variant of the C-130 Hercules, designed for drone control. It
ago, the technology has been “narrowband.” Narrowband could carry four Ryan Firebee drones underneath its wings.
refers to the amount of space that signal takes on the COA - Certificate Of Authorization. A COA is an
spectrum of available frequencies. Today's FM/PCM radio authorization issued by the Air Traffic Organization to a
control systems operate on a tiny sliver of space on relatively public operator for a specific UA activity. More than 100 have
low frequencies (27, 35, 36, 40, 41 or 72Mhz). been issued to companies, universities and government
AHRS - attitude and Heading Reference System: agencies. Among them were Cornell University and the
consists of sensors on three axes that provide heading, 174th Air National Guard unit at Syracuse.UAV and ROA
attitude and yaw information for aircraft. They are designed (remotely operated aircraft) were terms previously used to
to replace traditional mechanical gyroscopic flight identify unmanned aircraft. Currently the FAA and most of
instruments and provide superior reliability and accuracy. the international community uses the term “UAS.” Courtesy:
FAA
AMA - Academy of Model Aeronautics. The AMA Mission
Statement: The Academy of Model Aeronautics is a world- Collision avoidance - ideally UAVs, whether controlled
class association of modelers organized for the purpose of by people or flying autonomously, will have collision
promotion, development, education, advancement, and avoidance systems to prevent them from flying into fixed
safeguarding of modeling activities. The Academy provides objects or other aircraft. Much research is being done on this
leadership, organization, competition, communication, capability, which also is known as sense and avoid.
protection, representation, recognition, education, and Drone - a term for an unmanned aerial or underwater
scientific/technical development to modelers. The AMA has vehicle. The word is closely associated with the large UAVs
established “Rules” for RC flight to ensure life and property used by the military and intelligence agencies to drop
are protected. bombs, launch missiles and conduct surveillance. For that
APM - ArduPilotMega (APM) autopilot electronics is a reason, most domestic UAV boosters do not use the term to
full-featured IMU-based autopilot that can be used for either describe their aircraft.
airplanes or rotary wing aircraft, including quadcopters and ESC - Electronic Speed Control device to control the
other multicopters and traditional helicopters. The autopilot motor in an electric aircraft. It serves as the connection
hardware is the same across all aircraft, and you can load between the main battery and the RC receiver. Usually
whichever firmware is appropriate for the vehicle you've got includes a BEC, or Battery Elimination Circuit, which
via the free Mission Planner. (You may choose to add other provides power for the RC system and other onboard
sensors to improve performance for specific airframes, such electronics, such as an autopilot.
as an airspeed sensor for airplanes or a magnetometer for
mulitcopters).

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 FPV - First-Person View. Is a technique that uses an LOS - Line Of Sight. This refers to an FAA requirement
onboard video camera and wireless connection to the that UAVs stay within a pilot's direct visual control if they are
ground allowing a pilot on the ground with video goggles to flying under the recreational exemption to COA approval.
fly with a cockpit view. Many sUAS's are line-of-sight machines, meaning the
GCS - Ground Control Station. Is computer software person controlling the device must be in direct sight of the
running on the ground that receives telemetry information aircraft so that radio signals can be transmitted back and
from an airborne UAV and displays its progress and status. forth. Commercial/military UAVs are not line-of-sight aircraft
It often includes video and other sensor data. It can because the radio signals that control them are bounced off
additionally be used to transmit in-flight commands to the of satellites or manned aircraft.
UAV. LiPo - Lithium Polymer battery, aka LiPoly. Variants
GPS - the Global Positioning System (GPS) is a space- include Lithium Ion (Li-Ion) battery. This battery chemistry
based radio-navigation system consisting of a constellation offers more power and lighter weight than NiMh and NiCad
of satellites and a network of ground stations used for batteries.
monitoring and control. A minimum of 24 GPS satellites orbit MAV - Micro Air Vehicle: or micro aerial vehicle is a class
the Earth at an altitude of approximately 11,000 miles of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) that has a size restriction
providing users with accurate information on position, and may be autonomous. Modern craft can be as small as
velocity, and time anywhere in the world and in all weather 15 centimeters. Development is driven by commercial,
conditions. research, government, and military purposes; with insect-
Hobbyists - other than entities with COAs, only sized aircraft reportedly expected in the future. The small
hobbyists or other noncommercial users may fly sUAVs craft allows remote observation of hazardous environments
domestically at present. Their aircraft can't go over 400 feet inaccessible to ground vehicles. MAVs have been built for
in altitude and must be line-of-sight. hobby purposes, such as aerial robotics contests and aerial
photography.
IMU - an inertial measurement unit. Usually has at least
three accelerometers (measuring the gravity vector in the x, NUAIR - short for Northeast UAS Airspace Integration
y and z dimensions) and two gyros (measuring rotation Research Alliance, this New York-Massachusetts consortium
around the tilt and pitch axis). Neither are sufficient by filed an application to host a test bed. Most members are in
themselves, since accelerometers are thrown off by the Syracuse-Rome area, and most activity would take place
movement (i.e., they are "noisy" over short periods of time), there but Rochester Institute of Technology is listed as the
while gyros drift over time. The data from both types of lead academic member.
sensors must be combined in software to determine true NMEA - National Marine Electronics Association set the
aircraft attitude and movement. standard for GPS information. When we refer to
Inner loop/Outer loop - usually used to refer to the “NMEA sentences.” we're talking about ASCII strings
stabilization and navigation functions of an autopilot. The from a GPS module that look like this:
stabilization function must run in real-time and as often as $GPGGA,123519,4807.038,N,01131.000,E,1,08,0.9,545.4,
100 times a second ("inner loop"), while the navigation M,46.9,M,,*47
function can run as infrequently as once per second and can OSD - On-Screen Display. A way to integrate data (often
tolerate delays and interruptions ("outer loop"). telemetry information) into the real-time video stream the
INS - Inertial Navigation System. A way to calculate aircraft is sending to the ground.
position based on an initial GPS reading followed by PCB - Printed Circuit Board. In our use, a specialized
readings from motion and speed sensors. Useful when GPS board designed and "fabricated" for a dedicated purpose, as
is not available or has temporarily lost its signal. opposed to a breadboard or prototype board, which can be
Ku-band SATCOM data link - ku-band provides high used and reused for many projects.
bandwidth, more targeted coverage for fixed and broadcast PIC - Pilot In Command. This refers to an FAA
services, allowing for a range of satellite applications. Ku- requirement that UAVs stay under a pilot's direct control if
band was designed for satellite communications exclusively, they are flying under the recreational exemption to COA
eliminating competition and signal interference from other approval. See Line of Sight above.
communications systems. Ku-band enables high-speed POI - Point Of Interest. A specific location that a UAV
uplinks and downlinks and utilizes smaller end-user should keep a camera pointed toward such as a clump of
antennas. trees or a barn.
PWM - Pulse Width Modulation: Square-wave signals
used in RC control to drive servos and speed controllers.

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 Quadcopter - a common kind of sUAS that has four UAV - Unmanned Aerial Vehicle. Short for unmanned
rotors oriented horizontally like a helicopter. Variants are aerial vehicle and unmanned aircraft system. The terms
hexacopters (six rotors) and octocopters (eight). 'Copter- describe flying objects that have no on-board pilot and are
style sUAS vehicles are the most popular because of their controlled from the ground or internally. These days, many
stability and ability to hover. are equipped with video cameras. In the military, these are
RPA - a Remotely Piloted Aircaft increasingly called Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), to
reflect that the aircraft is part of a complex system in the air
RTL - Return To Launch. Return of the aircraft to the and on the ground. Ground-based autonomous robots are
"home" position where it took off. called Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) and robot
SATCOM - SATCOM systems use satellites positioned submersibles are called Autonomous Underwater Vehicles
in space for voice and data telecommunications. Modern (AUVs). Robot boats are called Unmanned Surface Vehicles
communications satellites use both geo-stationary orbits and (USVs).
low-Earth polar orbits depending on the service network WAAS - Wide Area Augmentation System. A system of
infrastructure you choose an orbiting vehicle, which relays satellites and ground stations that provide GPS signal
signals between communications stations. There are two corrections, giving up to five times better position accuracy
types: a. active communications satellite--A satellite that than uncorrected GPS. The Federal Aviation Administration
receives, regenerates, and retransmits signals between (FAA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are
stations; b. passive communications satellite--A satellite developing the WAAS program for use in precision flight
which reflects communications signals between stations. approaches.
SATCOM is also called or referred to as COMSAT.
SiRF II - the standard used by most modern GPS
modules. Includes SiRF III binary mode, which is an
alternative to the ASCII-based NMEA standard described
above.
SVN - short for the Subversion version-control repository
used by the DIY Drones and other teams for source code.
sUAV or sUAS - short for a small unmanned aerial
vehicle and unmanned aircraft system, terms that generally
describe battery-powered aircraft that can be picked up by
one or two people.
Test beds - the term for six UAV test sites that the FAA
will establish soon to research ways to safely fly UAVs,
including in the national airspace that piloted aircraft use.
Several dozen states are vying to host one of these test
beds, which are seen as economic-development engines.
Thermopile - an infrared detector. Often used in pairs in
UAVs to measure tilt and pitch by looking at differences in
the infrared signature of the horizon fore and aft and on both
sides. This is based on the fact that there is always an
infrared gradient between earth and sky, and that you can
keep a plane flying level by ensuring that the readings are
the same from both sensors in each pair, each looking in
opposite directions.
The Roadmap - the term for a document released by the
Federal Aviation Administration in November 2013 that lays
out its intended path for writing overdue and much-
anticipated regulations governing the use of UAVs. The
Roadmap calls for release of some rules for sUAS's next
year.

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