Build Your Own Drone Manual

Alex Elliott has a passion for aircraft and engineering, and enjoys building his own aircraft and experimenting with computer code for UAV's. He is currently completing a PhD at Cranfield University on computer vision for miniature UAV's, based on the same principles that honey bees use to navigate. He lives in Buckinghamshire.

* The history and development of drones - from early unmanned gliders to today's miniature electric-powered drones. *Drone types - fixed wing configuration options, conventional helicopter, and the various multi-rotor options. *Drone applications - mapping and aerial surveying, photography, surveillance, delivery drones and hobby use. *Component and equipment selection - including airframe, autopilot, radio control, motors, electronic speed controllers, propellers, batteries, camera gimbals, and first-person view (FPV) equipment. *Drone builds - three example builds, including aerial photography quadcopter, mini FPV quadcopter designed for racing, and fixed-wing drone with autopilot. *Flying and safety - safety guidelines, legislation and legal considerations, and learning to fly a drone safely.