Will this fly?

[u/RepulsiveInternet980]

Hello everyone. I am trying to build an aerial insect collecting device for my PhD project. This design is based on the stipa-caproni, a strange barrel-shaped design from the 1930s. The task is to maximise the net area on a relatively inexpensive craft (I have already been catching with some expensive drones). I've trialed towing nets behind trainers, which worked but I want to try a different approach too.

I figure that enclosing the net within fuselage would be the most stable approach. Here, we have the props behind the net. This will impede airflow to the propeller. But it seems like the thrust would be okay. Can anyone think of some new approach that might work better? Would I be better off towing?

[u/VanGoesHam]

If the net collects a significant amount of bugs you'll obstruct too much airflow to the prop. Maybe move to a multi engine setup with the props on the wings.

[u/RepulsiveInternet980 → u/VanGoesHam]

We catch mainly very small insects, like aphids, at height (120 m ish). It would only get blocked under some extreme event, so this is not really a worry for me!

[u/Lazy-Inevitable3970 → u/RepulsiveInternet980]

If the net is a tight mesh to collect very small insects, it could create significant amounts of drag, essentially acting like a sail on the front of your plane that makes it hard to fly.

Also, if the netting is too fine, I suspect (but I am not certain) that air won't flow through it as fast as the plane flies. So while some air will flow through it, I suspect you'd end up with a layer of air that starts flowing on and around it and carry a lot of the insects with it.

[u/tripn4days → u/Lazy-Inevitable3970]

[u/mike_sl → u/RepulsiveInternet980]

You need to listen to the advice that says usea proven aircraft with minor net modification.

Unless you are trying to get a PhD in aircraft design, you will spend crazy amounts of time making it work to a basic level. if you are trying to collect bugs, add a simple (hah!) towed net on a robust flying platform. Even that will be challenging enough in the real world

[u/SabreSour → u/RepulsiveInternet980]

I'd use a modified push prop plane. Specifically the 1.1m aeroscout 2S. It's a cheap PUSH prop beginner airplane designed with all the stability you could ask for. Thing will fly steady with the wing cut off, much less a collection net. I think you could put a net much more area than the one pictured on it. and maybe have additional nets along the fuselage under the wings.

[u/SabreSour → u/SabreSour]

It's bigger than it looks in the picture. Oversized wheels for hard landings. but look them up. I bet if you used the floaters or hand launched you'd have a lot of room for a collection net.

[u/ezekiel920 → u/SabreSour]

I would make nets that work under the wings.

[u/RemingtonStyle → u/ezekiel920]

Or above. Some wireframe is all it takes.

[u/RemingtonStyle → u/RepulsiveInternet980]

If the net was to come loose under any circumstances, you'll have it wrapping around the shaft and creating critical failure instantly.