Prototype Hexacopter

[HansenJC_on_Flight_Test]

I am designing a unique hexacopter. For anyone who has designed and built their own hexacopter.
1) Did you start by building a quad and worked your way up to a hex?
2) Did you design it on paper, or in software such as Autodesk Fusion? Or, did you just wing it and start building? Or did you build it from a kit? ~~~ I am designing mine in Autodesk Fusion, and I'm looking for anyone who may have followed the same path I'm on to discuss both theory and practical design solutions.
3) Is anyone learning their flight theory and multirotor design theory from AI? (I am having discussions with OpenAI's ChatGPT about my drone design.)
4) I'm interested to learn how you tested your design ideas.

 

[LitterBug]

Show us pictures of your design ideas. What size frame, motors and props are you planning to use. What do you plan to use it for?

LB

 

[HansenJC_on_Flight_Test]

Show us pictures of your design ideas. What size frame, motors and props are you planning to use. What do you plan to use it for?

LB

@LitterBug This image is looking up at the underside of the frame and shrouds of a Hexacopter concept. the shrouded propellers have been demonstrated in a research paper to produce approximately 85% increased thrust in hovering mode when compared to an open propeller of same size. The hex configuration is for the sake of redundancy and reliability. The frame design is for durability and rigidity. This is a "mid range" camera platform for performing inspections. This is NOT what I would call a "heavy lift". The concept is intended for floating or stationary hovering - NOT for fast flight. The prop size is either 7 inch or 8 inch. The overall frame diameter is 30 inch through 32 inch. You might call the frame size based on the distance between the center of 2 opposing props which would be approximately 20" to 22". NOTE: I can convert to metric dimensions if anyone prefers that. The only reason I am using Imperial dimensions is because the prop sizes are all marketed based on inches rather than centimeters. Prop size is something we all know.

This drone is intended to "FLOAT" for 95% of the mission. All inspection work to be done line of sight within close proximity of the operator. In this image, the frame is illustrated as though it were plywood simply for visual contrast with the shrouds. All components intended to be carbon fiber for strength, reduced weight, and durability. Mission profile is expected to be in the range of 20 to 30 minutes. camera to be used will have at least one and perhaps 3 sensors with the preferred sensor size of 4/3 inch. Video is a low priority with still photography as the preferred image capture.

 

[LitterBug]

I would start with a typical carbon frame with motor mounts and then add the ducts/body around it. Looks like you are starting with the ducts first.

 

[HansenJC_on_Flight_Test]

I would start with a typical carbon frame with motor mounts and then add the ducts/body around it. Looks like you are starting with the ducts first.

You are correct because there are more unknown issues with the shrouded propeller than there are with the more common components and frame.
And in the end, simply creating and testing a hexacopter of this size, weight, and image sensors would then allow changing only the shrouded propeller components for final prototyping and testing.

 

[LitterBug]

How much experience do you have with RC aircraft and/or flying drones? is this something you plan to fly yourself, or are you looking to build a tool for others to use? Have you given much thought to what flight controller, Flight sensors, and firmware you would like to use? Any requirements for where parts are sourced?

Just thinking like the semi-retired consultant trying to look at "the big picture" requirements.

Cheers!
LitterBug

 

[HansenJC_on_Flight_Test]

How much experience do you have with RC aircraft and/or flying drones? is this something you plan to fly yourself, or are you looking to build a tool for others to use? Have you given much thought to what flight controller, sensors, and firmware you would like to use? Any requirements for where parts are sourced?

Just thinking like the semi-retired consultant trying to look at "the big picture" requirements.

Cheers!
LitterBug

I built a Piper Cub out of Balsa wood about 40 years ago. I haven't held a controller in my hand since then so I'm sure they are quite different today. I earned a part 107 certificate about 4 years ago and got distracted and never bought a drone to work with. So I know all the theory and I'm capable of building things including assembling and wiring electronics. I have made no decisions and I have not purchased any significant hardware except a cheap motor and a few props and nothing that really relates to this particular project.
If everything goes well I'd like to fly this myself, but I'd also like to use it as a way of proving that a few of my "bright ideas" would become useful to other pilots who are doing inspections.
As a footnote, I am a licensed home inspector and plan on using this to inspect roofs and chimneys. I want to make it as "crash proof" as is possible. And footnote #2, In my early 20s I earned a private pilot license and owned a Cessna 172. So this project is part of the desire to fulfill my dream of flying once again.

 

[HansenJC_on_Flight_Test]

I built a Piper Cub out of Balsa wood about 40 years ago. I haven't held a controller in my hand since then so I'm sure they are quite different today. I earned a part 107 certificate about 4 years ago and got distracted and never bought a drone to work with. So I know all the theory and I'm capable of building things including assembling and wiring electronics. I have made no decisions and I have not purchased any significant hardware except a cheap motor and a few props and nothing that really relates to this particular project.
If everything goes well I'd like to fly this myself, but I'd also like to use it as a way of proving that a few of my "bright ideas" would become useful to other pilots who are doing inspections.
As a footnote, I am a licensed home inspector and plan on using this to inspect roofs and chimneys. I want to make it as "crash proof" as is possible. And footnote #2, In my early 20s I earned a private pilot license and owned a Cessna 172. So this project is part of the desire to fulfill my dream of flying once again.

@LitterBug you have asked a number of great questions. The one I failed to answer is where I plan on sourcing parts. I'm open to almost anywhere as long as I feel comfortable they are well respected quality parts.

 

[LitterBug]

I think you would probably be better off using an off the shelf type CineWhoop to start out. They only have four protected /ducted props, and with the latest small FPV cameras/gimbals, there really isn't the need for something as large as your initial requirements listed above. Get up to speed on flying before getting too invested in designing, building from scratch, having to diagnose what works and what doesn't, as well as trying to learn to fly all at once. That's a lot to chew on all at once.

Something like this for example