This is my latest project on the table. It is a scratch-built airplane, built from plans for an airplane called a
"Sky Spy". I ordered the plans through a magazine (R/C Magazine?) sometime in 1992 - and purchased the wood shortly
thereafter in November of the same year - but have never quite made the time to complete it. It was my intention to
complete construction of this plane in 2002, but that didn't happen.
The original purpose of this plane was to carry an on-board video camera as well as to act as a test bed for developing a
rudimentary auto-pilot system. I selected this plane because it was designed for carrying a video camera and transmitter.
However, over the years, my plans have changed slightly. I no longer plan to carry a video camera (although, someday I
might), but I am moving forward with the auto-pilot idea. I am also going to install a minimal lighting system so that
the plane may be flown at night. Whatever I actually wind up doing with this plane, I think I will have no shortage of
payload space.
I made a mistake in constructing this aircraft as the wing is far less swept than the plans indicate. I am hoping this
will not be a major problem, as I have chosen to continue with construction as it is. The aircraft is a pusher
configuration, and I intend to fly it (at least initially) with an O.S. .70 four-stroke engine that a friend of mine is
converting to diesel. My objective is to enable it to fly for an extended period of time all by itself. I want to be
able to enter coordinates into the on-board computer and have the plane fly itself from point A to point B.
Ultimately, what I would like to do is put pontoons on the aircraft so it can land on water, and send it off on a flight
to a secluded mountain lake. I then want to hike up to that lake and have my airplane meet me there. Then, I can do what
I have dreamed for a long time - kick back on an inflatable boat under the stars and fly my plane from the lake at night.
Ahhh.... How relaxing is that?!
It will be a while before this airplane is done, and even longer before there is any auto-pilot system on board, but I
will no doubt be reporting its progress somewhere on this web site. Keep looking for it!
To see a journal detailing the construction of the Sky Spy, Click Here.
