Introduction: DRONE X5
Step 1: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
1- Airframe X5 with servos
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__27131__Skywalker_X_5_FPV_UAV_Flying_Wing_1180mm.html
Step 2: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
2- Autopilot APM 2.5 with GPS
http://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-5-kit
Step 3: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
Step 4: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
4- motor 1000-1400 kv and 350 watts-450 watts
https://www.aero-model.com/8_66_880/Motors_Hacker-Brushless-A30-12M/A30-12M%20V2.html
Step 5: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
5- speed controller 40 - 50 Amp.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__2165__TURNIGY_Plush_40amp_Speed_Controller.html
Step 6: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
6- Radio with more than 6 channels.
radio options there are many options on the market, I specifically use Futaba 12FG
Step 7: The Parts Needed to Build the X5 DRONE
7-Propeller apc 9x6
Step 8: Configuration Instructions
1- download the last file Mission Planner
https://code.google.com/p/ardupilot-mega/downloads/list
Step 9: Configuration Instructions
2- install mission planner
This presentation should be installed and executed after
Step 10: Configuration Instructions
3- connect APM 2.5 to PC.
Step 11: Configuration Instructions
4- install the latest firmware on the APM 2.5
The following image shows the specific values of the PID for the wing X5 for firmware 2.71
Step 12: Configuration Instructions
5- set your radio to the option to fly wing.
a- elevator exponential -30
b- aileron exponential -20
Step 13: Configuration Instructions
6- adjusting the movement of the servo as shown below. 13 mm up and down
Step 14: Configuration Instructions
the entire assembly
Step 15: Flight Test

Participated in the
Launch It! Contest

Participated in the
Drones Contest
13 Comments
6 years ago
can I use something other than the amp 2.5 w/ gps
7 years ago
Very nice write up. I love the big cavity of that. How do you think it would function as a glider? Is it stable? I am interested in a glider to return my payload from a high altitude balloon. Thanks.
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Hi Joe, the airframe X5 may be a good option for launch of a ballon high altitude, but x5 is a critical point, easily enters stall speed. I would recommend other options such as rvjet, I have a very good experience here I have a video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weyRgRhKNzQ
sounds interesting your project you can tell me more about your project?
regards
Jimmy
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the reply Jimmy. That looks like an interesting craft.
I am interested in high altitude balloon (HAB) launches. My interest is in the payload, tracking, instrumentation, and just something fun to do with middle and high school kids. It seems like the biggest downside to HAB flights is when the payload ends up high in a tree on someone's private property. Also, the parachute can be problematic and get caught up in the gear. A better solution seems to be a flying brick that can return or at least land in a more predictable location.
Their are challenges at 100,000-ft (30+ km). Namely that temps are below 50-deg F and air density at .33 vs 27.45 at surface. So even though its very cold, the air is not dense enough to cool the electronics. So the design has to take that into account. Also, at that temp, some plastics and tape will become brittle or stiff.
I would like to do a controlled separation before burst to avoid the balloon shreds getting tangled in the antenna. I think then just allowing the glider to drop until there is enough air to stabilize it would be harrowing, but OK.
My big concerns are:
1 - would the aircraft survive the turbulence of the drop while waiting for stability?
2 - would the aircraft be able to glide back as much as 50 miles?
3 - would it be possible to have a return-to-home autopilot?
4 - what will the weight of the aircraft be?
http://www.diyspaceexploration.com/introduction-to-high-altitude-balloons/
https://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-High-Altitude-Balloon-Tracker-Arduino/
http://www.arhab.org/hab_launch_list.php
http://seds.org/projects/hab/
Reply 7 years ago on Introduction
Hi Joe. check out this link you answer many of your concerns and questions.
http://rcexplorer.se/projects/2013/03/fpv-to-space...
As for the automatic return, the answer is that if you can program the RTL function to that plane back home autonomously.
the maximum weight for rvjet is 3.5 kg.
8 years ago on Introduction
May I know how long does it last in the air? And is it possible to control it using the PC instead of the RC?
Reply 8 years ago on Introduction
flight time of 30 minutes and if you can control with the pc
9 years ago on Introduction
Great instructable.
HI, I want to make this instructables, I'm in Colombia I understand that you also. Can you sell me the parts?
Thanks
9 years ago on Introduction
So cool! But i can add a camera to that?
Reply 9 years ago on Introduction
Clearly, if you can add photographic or video camera.
9 years ago on Introduction
Great idea
9 years ago on Introduction
Swedish drones that look like this were used in Haiti a while ago. Nice job!
9 years ago on Introduction
looks interesting