Flightory Super Stingray VTOL User Manual

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General Aircraft Data

The build of this aircraft requires owning the basic version of the Super Stingray. Modification for VTOL requires reprinting the wings along with all motor mounting components. This instruction manual presents the conversion to the VTOL version. If you are starting to build the aircraft from scratch, refer to the manual for the regular Super Stingray, which details the construction of the entire aircraft.

The aircraft is in a classic 4+1 configuration with a single pusher motor located at the rear and 4 VTOL motors arranged in an X pattern. The rest of the aircraft's geometry remains unchanged from the regular Super Stingray version.

Parts List - VTOL

If you have access to a printer capable of printing at high temperatures (around 300°C), you may also consider printing with materials containing carbon fiber additives instead of regular PETG, which will further reinforce the components.

Recommended Accessories and RC Equipment

Recommended Electronics

Parts Orientation

The following describes the recommended orientation and infill settings for 3D printing components:

Wing 1 L/R VTOL

Orientation: 3% cubic subdivision infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a wing part within a print bed boundary box.]

Wing 2 L/R VTOL

Orientation: 3% cubic subdivision infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a wing part within a print bed boundary box.]

Aileron 1 VTOL L/R

Orientation: 3% gyroid infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing an aileron part within a print bed boundary box.]

Aileron 2 L/R VTOL

Orientation: 3% gyroid infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing an aileron part within a print bed boundary box.]

Wing Root VTOL L/R

Orientation: 3 walls, 20% cubic infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a wing root part within a print bed boundary box.]

Boom Mount

Orientation: 3 walls, 20% cubic infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a boom mount part within a print bed boundary box.]

Motor Mount Bottom VTOL

Orientation: 3 walls, 20% cubic infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a bottom motor mount part within a print bed boundary box.]

Motor Mount Top VTOL

Orientation: 3 walls, 20% cubic infill.

[Textual description of a 3D print orientation diagram showing a top motor mount part within a print bed boundary box.]

STL and STEP Files

All files for the VTOL PACK are available in STL and STEP format. You can find these files in folders labeled 'STEP'.

Fuselage Preparation

Begin by preparing the fuselage. If you already have a built Fixed Wing version of the Super Stingray, simply remove the wings. If you are starting from scratch, refer to the instructions for the regular version of this aircraft, where the assembly of the fuselage is described.

Boom Assembly

First, take the Wing Root VTOL and Boom Mount components and glue them together using CA glue, ensuring a strong bond between the two parts. Prepare this for both the left and right sides.

The following diagram shows dimensions helpful for correctly placing the boom: a carbon tube with a diameter of 16mm and a length of 500mm. Insert it and measure the distances according to the drawing. You can mark the boundary points, for example, with a light-colored marker. Inside the Boom Mount, there is a hole that leads to a channel designed for wires. Cut a corresponding hole in the carbon tube at this location. It doesn't need to be perfectly shaped, but it must be large enough to accommodate all the motor cables that will be routed through it in the next steps.

[Diagram showing a carbon tube with dimensions 175mm, 148mm, 177mm, labeled 'FRONT'.]

If the boom is already properly positioned, secure it using M3 screws and nuts in the designated spots. The mounting is done by clamping the tube and securing it against movement. Optionally, wrap the tube with a layer of duct tape at the mounting zone to further reduce play, increase friction, and strengthen the boom's attachment.

[Illustration showing the boom attached to the fuselage, secured with M3 screws and nuts.]

Now it's time to install the motors. Mounting is done by clamping the carbon tube between the upper and lower parts of the mount. Insert M3 threaded inserts from below and secure them with screws from above. You can also wrap the end of the tube with duct tape to increase friction and strengthen the mount. It's easier to install the propeller first and then attach the motor to the mount. At this stage, extend the motor wires to the required length, route them inside the tube, and lead them into the fuselage.

[Exploded view illustration showing motor mounting process with M3 screws and threaded inserts.]

Proceed the same way with the remaining motor. Prepare this for both the right and left wings.

[Illustration showing the assembled boom with motors attached to the fuselage, indicating repetition for both wings.]

Now it's time to assemble the rest of the wing. Glue all segments together using CA glue. Insert the 6mm carbon tube, cut to a length of 350mm, into the designed slot. The installation of the aileron, hinges, and servos is identical to the fixed wing version. However, make sure to print the aileron labeled as VTOL, as it is slightly shorter than the fixed wing one.

[Illustration showing wing segments being glued, with a carbon tube inserted and aileron installation.]

Finishing Build

Insert the completed wings using the 12x460mm and 6x680mm tubes as spars, similar to the fixed wing version. Finally, secure them in place with M3 screws. At this stage, the entire airframe is ready, and it's time to move on to connecting wires and configuration.

[Illustration of the completed Super Stingray airframe with wings attached.]

Wiring

The following describes a sample wiring and equipment layout. This configuration uses 5 separate ESCs and a PDB for power distribution, powered by a single battery. The diagram includes suggested channel assignments for the servos and all motors. Only essential equipment is shown; FPV Camera, VTX, Receiver, and other optional sensors are not included as they can be implemented in various ways depending on the chosen hardware.

The presented schematic is a guide for beginners. For example, instead of individual ESCs, a 4-in-1 ESC board can be used. Another option is using separate batteries for hover and horizontal flight. The diagram is also available in a larger size in the PDF file package.

[Textual description of a wiring diagram showing the layout of ESCs, PDB, FC, motors, and servos.]

Configuration

The recommended software is Ardupilot. Familiarize yourself with the information on the Ardupilot website for the full configuration of Quadplanes.

https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-setup.html

Key information and parameters to set:

X Frame Configuration

The configuration uses a classic X Frame layout. Two pairs of propellers are needed: one pair of CW and one pair of CCW, as indicated in the drawing.

[Diagram illustrating the X Frame configuration with numbered motors (1-4) and their rotation direction (CW/CCW).]

Servo Output

This section details the assignment of channels:

[Screenshot of a software interface showing servo output assignments.]

Main Quadplane Parameters

Q_ENABLE = 1: Enables all quadplane support options. Click 'write' and then 'refresh' to get the full list of parameters.

Q_FRAME_CLASS = 1: Selects the quadplane layout.

Q_FRAME_TYPE = 1: Specifies the frame choice; 1 corresponds to the X frame layout.

TKOFF_THR_SLEW = 40: Defines the throttle slew rate for automatic takeoffs and transitions. A value of 40 allows for a quick transition to horizontal flight in just over 2 seconds.

Q_ASSIST_SPEED = -1: Determines the speed below which tilt motors assist in lift. Set to -1 to disable this function for this aircraft.

Q_M_PWM_TYPE = 2: Specifies the PWM type for motors. Set to 2 if using recommended ESCs that support ONESHOT125. Manual ESC calibration may be required otherwise.

Q_OPTIONS = 163841: Allows setting additional options like Level Transition, ThrLandControl, and EnableLandReposition.

AIRSPEED_MIN = 17 and AIRSPEED_MAX = 35: Specify minimum and maximum speeds in m/s for automatic throttle modes. Minimum speed is crucial for transitions.

Q_TRANSITION_MS = 3000: Determines the time in milliseconds for a full transition after reaching minimum speed. 3000ms (3 seconds) is tested for an efficient and smooth transition.

Q_LAND_SPEED = 20: Sets the descent rate in Q_LAND mode to 20 cm/s for a gentle descent.

Q_M_BAT_VOLT_MAX = 16.8 and Q_M_BAT_VOLT_MIN = 13.2: Determine maximum and minimum battery voltage values for 4S packs. This allows throttle compensation based on battery state to maintain consistent thrust.

After setting all parameters, the aircraft is ready for flight tests. It is strongly encouraged to familiarize yourself with the Ardupilot website for more information on quadplanes, configuration, tuning, and flight modes.

Key Ardupilot Resources:

• Quadplane General Chapter: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-setup.html
• Flight Modes: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-flight-modes.html
• Flying a Quadplane: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-flying.html
• VTOL Tuning: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-first-flight.html
• Quadplane Setup Tips: https://ardupilot.org/plane/docs/quadplane-tips.html