Flying a Marathon!

Victory!

This week I successfully piloted the Raptor 140 over a marathon's distance (42km or 26mi) by flying 45.7km or 28.4mi. I say pilot, but really it was a 99% autonomous flight, controlled by the APM2.6 Flight Controller.

It was also a flight duration record for me, taking 39 minutes to complete, with an average airspeed of 80kph (50mph) and an average ground speed of 70kph (43mph) due to a strong southernly air current. The flight consumed 9.2Ah of energy at 11.1v, and achieved 4.9km/Ah, much lower than the 140's average of 5.6km/Ah (strong cross winds and cold temperatures reduced it's flight capacity).

All in all the APM and Raptor140 performed flawlessly. Next up? Flying a marathon cross country! (taking off at one location, and chasing the airplane in a car to land at another location)

See you next week!

-Trent

Safety note: I maintained line of sight during this flight, and had my controller close by to take manual control as needed. The altitude reads 150m, but I take off in a valley, true AGL for the majority of the flight is 100-120m.

Raptor 140b Stats:
Weight: 1780g
Max Flight Time: 60min
Max Range: 50km
Stall Speed: 30kph
Cruise Speed: 95kph
Max Speed: 135kph
Radio Range: 1.5km
Energy Carried: 10,000mAh
Power: 850w

The equipment used---
Raptor 140 airplane: http://store.mygeekshow.com/product-p/raptor-140-kit.htm

Radio Tx: ParkeFlyer Turnigy 9x Tx: http://parkeflyer.com/
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Laptop: Compaq Presario CG57

Flight Controller: APM2.6 https://store.3drobotics.com/products/apm-2-6-kit-1
Reciever: 6ch FlySky http://www.hobbypartz.com/79p-r6b-receiver.html
Telemtry: 915mhz 100mW 3DR http://store.3drobotics.com/products/3dr-radio-telemetry-kit-915-mhz
Battery: (2) 5.0Ah 20C Turnigy Lipo: http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__9184__turnigy_5000mah_3s_20c_lipo_pack.html
ESC: 60A Brushless http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__32820__TURNIGY_Plush_60amp_Speed_Controller_USA_Warehouse_.html
Motor: 3542 1450kv brushless http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=38700
Prop: 10x7 Carbon Fiber Folding http://www.hobby-lobby.com/10x7_carbon_fiber_cam_blade_798_prd1.htm
Servos: 11g digital http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=42620
Onboard camera: http://www.ebay.com/itm/16-V2-Lens-D-808-Key-Chain-Video-Camera-/380627482427?#ht_5755wt_1149

Learn More:
Raptor Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/theairplanes/Raptor140.html
USA Trip Details: http://www.mygeekshow.com/usatrip/

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Filmed, Edited, Produced and Published by Trent in Arkansas, USA