Project LORIKEET 6:1
What is it?
The lorikeet is the 12:1 scale flying model of the eVTOL aircraft focusing on the electronics required for autonomous flight capabilities.
As the lorikeet is the smallest of the scaled models, its solutions in areas such as electronics, design, manufacturing, can be scaled and implemented into the larger models.
The smaller scale means faster iterations of design, production and testing is possible.
The lorikeet is the first model intended to be commercialised for public purchase, funding future eVTOL opportunities for its participants.
Anatomy
What is it made of?
The Lorikeet’s design & structure was based off the original concept design and modelled in Onshape (our chosen cloud CAD program).
Its structure (wings, fuselage & vertical stabilisers has been 3D printed with primarily PETG filament, connected with 3D printed connections & mounts.
Electronics to control and power the lorikeet were designed, tested and soldered into the body for each generation.
Control
Fuselage
Generations & Testing
Three generations have been developed so far with the fourth currently in production demonstrating increasing complexity for flight control and autonomous capability.
Gen 1
Unstable flight
Manual stick controller
Maximum height: < 1 m
Flight time: < 60 seconds
Maximum speed: ~15 km/h
Crash: Controls not working
Gen 2
Stable flight
Programmable flight path
Flew waypoint to waypoint successfully
Maximum height: > 30 m
Flight time: 5–10 minutes
Maximum speed: ~15 km/h
Gen 4 - In Production
Enhanced cooling and power system
Compatible with both programmable and manual flight modes
Ability to transition between drone and plane-style flight
Est max height: ~50 m
Flight time: 15–20 minutes
Max speed: ~30 km/h (quadcopter mode) / 100+ km/h (forward flight mode) connection, better portability, and better interfaces to control the drone.
Gen 3
GPS-assisted stable flight
Programmable and manual control modes
Maximum height: ~45 m
Flight time: 10–15 minutes
Maximum speed: 15–25 km/h
Crash: No GPS assistance