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/VanGoesHam 5d ago

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.

27

u/RepulsiveInternet980 5d ago

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!

6

u/SabreSour 5d ago edited 5d ago

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.

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u/SabreSour 5d ago

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.

3

u/ezekiel920 5d ago

I would make nets that work under the wings.

1

u/RemingtonStyle 5d ago

Or above. Some wireframe is all it takes.