Search and Rescue Build

[CenTexFlyer]

I would look very hard at what your mission requirements will be before selecting an airframe. If you are just doing video for situational awareness and can hand launch a lightweight aiframe then go for something like a Skywalker. If you are wishing to get into high resolution mapping/searching/image analysis then you'll need something a bit more robust and rugged that can carry the weight. I am biased towards flying wings because they take so much abuse and only have three moving parts. Two servos and one motor. After that, you need to find one that will best protect the equipment you intend to fly. We have flown in 29 states and 4 countries and the Spectra has ALWAYS completed the mission. It may have gotten "retired" shortly thereafter, but the most important part in SAR is making that recovery - especially when a life is on the line.

[spitfire_doug]

Video is private.

Sorry, should be good now.

Not very entertaining, just my pan/tilt behind a dome.

Doug

[up there]

You all keep talking about not having a significant budget. Why don't you go out into your community and do some fundraising. If i saw a box sitting in my local supermarket asking for help building an areal sar device i would donate.

Maybe you could get one of those thermal cameras.

[Myron]

@ up there Seems like a good idea, but by speaking from experience, donations are hard to come by these days.. I'm involved with RP Search Services(using unmanned aircraft) which is a 501c3 charitable corporation.. We can provide tax exemption rcpts and that still doesnt really bring out the donations.. there is a patteren in the type of guys here... Were all techno geeks and we can all see the value in using these for SAR.. Some of us have actually done it with great results. However, most of us have full time jobs and do this as a hobby and we can only put in limited time and money.. I have even hit up some of my really deep pocketed customers for donations and havent had much success even though they think is the coolest thing ever... Good luck!!

Myron

[volto]

Sorry, should be good now.

Not very entertaining, just my pan/tilt behind a dome.

Doug

Very cool. I have plans to make something like that on the belly of a large plane and have separate R/C control for it's pan/tilt, and separate video feed so I could have a passenger looking around while I pilot.

[IBERIAN]

Where do you source your clear domes?

Sorry, should be good now.

Not very entertaining, just my pan/tilt behind a dome.

Doug