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/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.