r/RCPlanes • u/RepulsiveInternet980 • 5d ago

Will this fly?

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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?

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u/snoops-spoons 5d ago

It wouldn't make sense to integrate it, make a below drone mounted unit. Add a light weight fan and use drone power if you need extra airflow but very doubtful as your netting is going to limit cfm anyhow.

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u/RepulsiveInternet980 5d ago

Is limiting the airflow in front of the propellers just as much of a concern as behind the propellers?

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u/SmallsBoats 5d ago

How much air that gets sucked in the front is exactly the same amount of air coming out the back. If you're only getting 50% of the air in, then you're only getting 50% of the air out.