Introduction: Personal Predator Drone

By DannoPeters.ca
About: I am an inventive photographer, Pilot, and MacGyver. I love building and modifying things to aid in my adventures. Check out my Website! Have a great day!

This paper skin turns your mini quadcopter into a General Atomics MQ-1 Predator Drone in a matter of minutes (approximately 20 from printing to flying).

This is a continuation of my other instructable, which built a skin to turn a mini quadcopter into an F-14 Tomcat. You can check it out here: https://www.instructables.com/id/RC-Paper-Fighter-J...

I may have had a little too much fun with the Top Gun tribute:

https://youtu.be/HFjgLf-54Ps

I am seriously impressed with the performance of the CX-10 mini quadcopters.


To build this Personal Predator you will require:

- a CX-10 mini quadcopter or equivalent (http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters/pp_115682.h...)

- "Crash Cage" (http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopters-parts/pp_16...)

- a sheet of 8.5"x11" 16-20lb paper (don't go any heavier or else it will not fly)

- Glue

- Clear Tape

-a Printer

Optionally you can also switch from the standard props to high performance aggressive 3 leaf props.

This will help to increase the speed and maneuverability. (http://www.gearbest.com/rc-quadcopter-parts/pp_244...)

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Step 1: Print, Slice, and Dice

Print out the PDF (below), and check that the document printed
at true scale, the safety cage should exactly match the cutout. If not simply adjust the print scale. Next cut out all of the pieces. (make sure to cut out the glue tabs separately)

Step 2: Tail

Trifold both the upper and lower pieces of the tail. then glue them together. Making sure not to glue to flaps on the most forward piece of the tail, as these will attach to the fuselage of the mini quadcopter. Glue the forward tabs onto the fuselage, and wrap the aft tabs around the protective basket before gluing them onto the paper tail.

Step 3: Wings

To keep the plane lightweight and rigid, there are twos support braces (inside of each wing). Simply apply glue to the center of the supports, then fold the middle two sections together, while keeping the edge sections apart. The narrow end of the support will be aligned to the corresponding wind tip, running along the wings. The wing surfaces will need to be trimmed as not to interfere with the motors. (consult above diagram)

The tabs on each wing will then be folded around the cage of the quadcopter and glued to the bottom of the wing.

Step 4: Nose

The nose is to be folded as one piece. It is easiest to fold the nose piece before gluing it together. Wrap the tabs around the protective cage before gluing them back to the nose. Finally, insert the aft tip of the nose piece (right behind the identification code) into the most forward piece of the tail, this will aid in keeping the nose straight.

Step 5: Ready to Surveil the Skies

Your drone is now ready to surveil the skies. This project can also be completed using the camera carrying CX-10C to create a more realistic model. To prevent the CX-10C's camera from being obstructed the bottom flare of the nose must be removed (shown above).

If you have any questions, ideas for improvement, or photos of your Personal Predator Drone feel free to post in the comments.

Have a great day!