Energy Source Requirements Part 1 – Requirements

Planning Energy Source Requirements

In order to plan RPAS energy source requirements for a flight/mission it is necessary to have some basic information, for example:

  • Flight Details:
    • What is the required flight endurance for this mission?
    • What is the documented fuel consumption rate for the chosen aircraft – in normal flight conditions?
    • How does fuel consumption change when abnormal flight conditions are encountered?
    • How much fuel can the aircraft carry with this payload?
  • Aircraft Energy Demand
    • Propulsion (Motors/Propellers)
    • Radio (C1), Radio (C2)
    • Avionics
    • Lighting
    • Payload
Aircraft Published Data

Aircraft data can be obtained from the Flight Manual of an aircraft. All serviceable aircraft are required to have a flight manual.

ItemCondor
Airframe
Maximum Take-Off Weight2.5 kg
Top Cruise Speed at Sea Level25kts
Rate of Climb at Sea Level500fpm
Take-Off Distance50m
Landing Distance120m
Stall Speed12kts
Endurance25 Minutes
BatteryLiPo 3S 5000mAH
Engine
ManufacturerTurnigy
ModelAerodrive SK3 1460KV
Max Current33A continuous
Max Engine Power430 Watts
Length37mm
Outside Diameter31 mm
Weight75 grams
Output Shaft Diameter4 mm
Propeller
ManufacturerAPC Pty Ltd
ModelLP08060 to LP09060
Type2 Blade
Diameter203.3 to 228.6mm
Pitch52.4mm
Max RPM19,800
Power
Capacity5000 mAh 3S
GradeLithium Polymer
Design Manoeuvring Speed(Va) 25
Never Exceed Speed(Vne) 45
Max Structural Cruising Speed(Vno) 30
Stalling Speed(Vs) 12 in cruise configuration
Crosswind Limits20kts
Service Ceiling
CASA Allowed400ft
Notional5,000ft
Load FactorsSpeed Va+ 10g
 Speed Va -6g
Climate/Environmental Restrictions
Max Ambient Operating Temp48°C
Flight into known bad weather conditionsProhibited
Max wind speed20kts
Flight into moderate to heavy rainProhibited

Manual Battery Capacity Requirement Calculation:

DescriptionLoad (amps)
Motor (one off)8
Aircraft avionics0.3
Camera1.2
Total9.5
Aircraft Electrical Load Specification