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MFE Believer Kit Box
Purdue BOMs
MFE Believer Kit BoxAssemble fuselage, wings and tail sections Attach control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder) Install “landing gear” skidsMake sure wings are securely mounted and aligned Install hatch or access door for electronics Secure the two motors to the motor mountsRoute wiring cleanly, avoiding interface with control surfaces or moving partsMount servos for ailerons, elevator, and rudder in appropriate positions Connect servo arms to control surfaces with pushrods or linkage Ensure smooth motion with no binding Mount the autopilot / flight controller on vibration-damped pads Connect servos, ESCs, receiver, telemetry, GPS, etc. Balance the aircraft’s CG as recommendedAttach propellers to motors Inspect all hardware, wiring, screw, and structural joints Keep neat and secureUse the correct prop for left vs right motor Use proper hub torque and locking nuts Tip: fit all dry parts first to check alignment Ensure the tail boom and vertical stabilizers are straight May need to reinforce the motor mount area with extra epoxy or carbon
Lab 05 - Believer Familiarization
Group 4
Overview
This lab introduces the Believer air-frame and its key components. Working in groups we examined the kit contents, identified structural parts, and connected them to their functions in flight. We reviewed two bill of materials (BOM) for electronic systems, describing the purpose of each component. Finally, we analyzed an external build guide to determine how documentation supports the assembly process.
Resources
User Manual
Assembly Guide
Air-frame
WindRacers use the Believer air-frame as a scaled trainer aircraft before flying the ULTRA. We will be building the believers for student use as well as for WindRacers Safety Pilot training.
Equipment
Table: Airframe
Component
Function
Picture
Notes
Left and right wing
Main lifting surfaces that generate life during flight. Hold ailerons and wing servos
Left and right empannage
The horizontal and vertical tail surfaces that stabilize the aircraft and control pitch and yaw.
Left and right fuselage
Main body of the aircraft that houses the electronics, flight controller, battery, payload, and wings.
Wings covering plate
Secures the wings to the fuselage and covers internal wing join areas.
Cabin cover
Removable hatch giving access to battery, flight controller, and electronics inside the fuselage.
Parachute cabin cover
Covers and protects the parachute bay, released in flight for recovery.
Fuselage supporting carbon tube
Provides structural stiffness and rigidity to the fuselage, preventing bending or twisting.
Wings inserting carbon tube
Serves as the main spar to connect and strengthen both wings, keeping them aligned and rigid under load.
Wings connecting parts
Mechanically connect each wing half to the fuselage, often containing spar supports or joiners.
Empennages connecting parts
Connects the two ruddervators securelywas to the body of the aircraft using spars with supporting plastic
Servo fixing parts
Mount servos securely in the fuselage or wings; includes base, pressers, and covers to protect servo arms.
Helmangle
Small brackets or control horn mounts used to connect control rods to control surfaces (rudder/elevator).
Battery fixing board
Mounting board to hold the battery firmly, prevents shifting during flight.
Antenna fixing board
Mounts and organizes antennas for optimal signal reception and to avoid interference.
Cabin cover fixing board
Provides structure for securing the cabin cover to the fuselage.
Electric Regulating cover
Covers and protects ESCs (electronic speed controllers) or wiring areas.
Studs
Threaded mounts used to fasten plastic/foam parts together.
Cabin cover locking nail
Locking mechanisms that secure the cabin cover in place.
Chucks
Likely part of the nose or motor mount locking system to hold motor parts or accessories.
Latching hook
Small hooks used to latch covers, hatches, or other components for easy access/removal.
Fuselage reinforcing plate
Strengthens the fuselage internally, especially at load-bearing areas.
Tail reinforcing plate
Provides extra rigidity for the tail assembly to handle aerodynamic loads.
Autopilot locating board
Mounting platform for flight controller or autopilot, isolates vibrations
Basement of parachute servo
Base structure for mounting the servo that deploys the parachute.
Wooden plate of parachute hatch cover
Reinforces the parachute hatch to prevent warping or flexing
Stiffer of parachute hatch cover
Adds additional structural support to the parachute hatch assembly.
Motor installing base
Mounting plate for the motor, aligns thrust and spreads load into the fuselage.
Flight control area and battery area cushions
Absorbs shock and protects battery from vibration and impact. Damps vibrations transmitted to flight controller and sensors for stable flight performance.
There are no rows in this table
Electronics Familiarization
The electronics inside the believer do not come standard. These parts are ordered independently for each type of build. The parts order for our builds is based on WindRacers’ specifications to comply with training standards.
Equipment
Table: Electronics
Component
Function
Why is it Necessary?
Blog Equivalent
What is the difference?
Notes
Team Black Sheep TBS Tracer Micro TX Starter Set
Telemetry System
Sends primary flight information (Airspeed, Altitude, Attitude) to the GCS
Both accomplish similar things, thought the blog’s system includes video functionality
Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019
Ground controller
Provides system by which flight control inputs can be transmitted to the airplane
They are the same controller, except different skins
XT90H - 5 Pairs
Connection from battery to power system
Large currents require large and secure connectors
XT-60 connectors
XT-60 are smaller, but serve a similar purpose
083 - 2-6s backup BEC for Pixhawk 2
Battery eliminator circuit
The RC system and motors require different voltages
Turnigy Multistar Twin Output 5/10 Amp (6-50V) SBEC for Lipoly
Similar function, but different voltages
Digital Airspeed Sensor MS4525DO
Senses airspeed
Airspeed is one of the most critical data points in flight
The blog does not mention an airspeed sensor
N/A
Here 3+ with iStand
GPS receiver
Knowing GPS position is crucial to ensure the aircraft is in the correct location for the mission
These ultimately provide the same information, which is the GPS position
RFDesign - PIXHAWK 2 to RFD900/868 Telemetry Cable
Telemetry cable to receive data from various sensors attached to the UAV
This allows data to be collected from the sensors and provided to the flight controller
The blog does not mention a specific telemetry cable
N/A
RFD 900x-US V2 Modem (FCC approved) - Bundle
Telemetry antennae
Provides for adequate transmission of radio telemetry
The antennas are already included with the aforementioned hacklink system. They serve the same purpose
N/A
Cube ID-CAN
Remote ID component
Remote ID is required for all drones operated outside of a FRIA.
The blog doesn’t specify a remote ID module
N/A
The Cube Blue H7
Remote ID component
Remote ID is required for all drones operated outside of a FRIA.
The blog doesn’t specify a remote ID module
N/A
ADS-B Carrier Board -Only for The Cube
Carrier board for the cube
Additional remote ID component with ADS-B out potential
The blog doesn’t specify a remote ID or ADS-B out
N/A
Gens Ace G Tech Tattu HV 17000mAh 15C
Primary battery
On-board components require electricity to function
Our battery is of a slightly higher capacity
AM1021B-M
Servo connections
Servos need to be connected to the controller to actuate flight controls
Fundamentally the same
AM1021B-F
Servo connections
Servos need to be connected to the controller to actuate flight controls
JST Female + Male 2 pin connector set
Fundamentally the same
Ruko R111 FAA Compliant Remote ID Module
Additional standalone RID module
Remote ID is required for all drones operated outside of a FRIA.
The blog doesn’t specify a remote ID module
N/A
VELCRO Brand Heavy Duty Tape with Adhesive
Mounting of avionics units
Velcro attachments mean easy future replacement of defective units
Fundamentally the same
Tripp Lite Heavy Duty Computer Power Cord, 15A, 14AWG (NEMA 5-15P to IEC-320-C13), 10-ft. (P007-010) , Black
Computer power cord for powering battery charger
Battery charger must be connected to AC power to operate
No charger was specified in the blog
N/A
T-Motor AT3520 Long Shaft 550 KV
Primary propulsion motor
Required to turn propellers for flight
Fundamentally similar - brushless DC motor
EMAX ES3054 17g Digital Servo with Bearing
Flight control actuation
The flight controls require an electronic component to move and control the airplane in its axes
Bluebird BMS-393DMH
Fundamentally similar - standard servos
Aero-naut CAMcarbon Light 126L CW/CCW
Forward propulsion
Rotated by the engines to provide thrust for flight
APC Style 10x7E
There are no rows in this table
Build Instructions/Blog Breakdown
These build instructions for the Believer is one of the most detailed instructions we have for this build. Although these instructions are helpful, the document contains a lot of unnecessary information and uncertainty. Simple instructions are best when working with unfamiliar parts/pieces.
Equipment
Assembly Instructions
Search
Believer
Assemble fuselage, wings and tail sections
Attach control surfaces (ailerons, elevator, rudder)
Install “landing gear” skids
Make sure wings are securely mounted and aligned
Install hatch or access door for electronics
Secure the two motors to the motor mounts
Route wiring cleanly, avoiding interface with control surfaces or moving parts
Mount servos for ailerons, elevator, and rudder in appropriate positions
Connect servo arms to control surfaces with pushrods or linkage
Ensure smooth motion with no binding
Mount the autopilot / flight controller on vibration-damped pads
Connect servos, ESCs, receiver, telemetry, GPS, etc.
Balance the aircraft’s CG as recommended
Attach propellers to motors
Inspect all hardware, wiring, screw, and structural joints
Believer
Simplified Instructions
Critical Points
Notes
Created by
Madison Dianne Baker
Creation Assistance
Venkata Devapatla
Reflection
Overall, the instruction manual and the included pieces in the believer kit aligned well. It is evident through research and through inspecting the parts lists of some other completed believer projects that one size does not fit all, and many parts have to be bought aftermarket to fit the needs of the project. The most obvious example of this which does not even yet delve into the issue of performance specialization is the lack of foam glue found in the provided kit. In the accessory section of the included manual, the #6 listed component was foam glue, which presumably would be used to connect some of the electrical or cosmetic structures of the UAS together. This was not included in the parts selection, but other boxes were known to have contained some.
This example highlights the peculiarity of the believer kits sold today, and it highlights the need for the pilot in command or the applicable operator to understand their mission requirements and materials thoroughly to achieve the desired result. This was discovered during the lab at hand after all parts were unpackaged, inventory was taken, pictures were stored, and assessment of the kit was completed. After all materials were noted and photographed, the items were packaged carefully just the way they were found, and the work of making it flyable begins. It is evident that will parts like the glue (and others not yet known), aftermarket parts will have to be purchased. The sooner the total purchases can be known, the sooner the believer project at Purdue University can begin. It is imperative that no short cuts are taken during this step or the steps that follow to ensure a safe and well thought out mission program.
Written by: Jacob Sieber
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