▲ 307 r/RCPlanes
Designing an autonomous glider that returns from the STRATOSPHERE
I'm researching the possibility of building an autonomous glider that is carried to approximately 30 km altitude by a weather balloon.
After balloon burst, the aircraft would autonomously fly back toward a predefined GPS location.
I'm not interested in the balloon itself as much as the aircraft.
In addition, the system would need to take photographs. That means I need to understand not only where to mount the camera, but also where to place the subject or part that has to be photographed(little displays or, as in the image, a little hot air balloon). I need to understand the whole setup: the photo must be taken while the aircraft is still attached to the balloon, so that it stays level and the horizon is visible.
My biggest questions are:
Is this actually feasible with today's hobby-grade hardware?
Would you build a glider or a powered aircraft?
Which airframe would you start from?
What wing loading would you target?
How would you design for extremely low air density?
How would you handle the transition from free fall into controlled flight?
Would ArduPilot be your first choice?
What sensors become unreliable at these altitudes?
What would you do differently from projects like MeteoGlider?
Where would you position the camera, and where should the photographed object be mounted so the shot works while the aircraft is still hanging from the balloon and where it doesn't compromise the weight & balance calcolo?
The payload would probably include:
camera
GPS
telemetry
batteries
autopilot
recovery system
The total payload would ideally stay below 2 kg.
I'm also trying to understand whether returning within a few kilometers of the launch point is realistic or simply wishful thinking. (For the glide ratio I think it's realistic, but the wind scares me)
Any papers, GitHub projects, videos, build logs or previous experiments would be hugely appreciated.
I'm looking for technical criticism before building anything
Do you have any simpler ideas for a system that can take photos and then return to the launch point?
u/Hot_Two_7539 — 1 month ago
PPL Student looking for advices
I am currently working toward my Private Pilot License (PPL) in Italy. I have completed the theoretical portion and just have the practical training left to go.
I was wondering if anyone had any advice for improving my practical learning—for example, recording my lessons with a GoPro so I can review and analyze my mistakes.
I was also thinking that investing in a good home flight simulator setup might speed up my learning process and ultimately save me some money.
Any tips are greatly appreciated. Thank you!
u/Hot_Two_7539 — 3 months ago