X-Tube : 5" quad with tabular arms 145g

By IvanNik on Feb 23, 2019

20  1,079  10

The lightest 5'' quad with tabular arms

There are 3 main ideas:

  1. The lighter build (1407 motors, small battery) like described in https://rotorbuilds.com/build/7104, https://rotorbuilds.com/build/12496
  2. Use CarbonFiber 4x6mm tubes for arms (see https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2645953-Mini-tubular-and-ultralight-LOS-Acro-FPV-Quads)
  3. Use successful/tested frame layout like Tooth Fairy: https://rotorbuilds.com/build/12179

Another goal - have baterry on top (I like well balanced quads)

There are 2 technics of attaching the plates and tubes: Carbon fiber tow (photos with hardware) and Kevlar cord (photos with the cat). I preferr kevlar - it's much easy to work and final vew is better.

Frame weight: 32g
Weight: 145g (212g with 650 mAh battery) !

Carbon cut was made by http://www.cncmadness.com/
See attached 2d DXF files in this post: https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=41249593&postcount=5606

Photos

Part List

Flight Controller

MAMBA F405 Mini Betaflight Flight Controller & F25 20A 3-4S DSHOT600 FPV Racing Brushless ESC (40 builds)
Banggood.com
$43.99

Motors

4 x Cobra CP 1407-3200KV Champion Series Motor (2 builds)
Getfpv.com
$71.96

Propellers

Gemfan 5x3 Nylon Glass Fiber Propeller (Set of 4 - Black)
Getfpv.com
$2.99

FPV Camera

RunCam Micro Sparrow 2 (63 builds)
Getfpv.com
$34.99

FPV Transmitter

Mini VTX5848 48CH 5.8G 25/100/200mW Switchable FPV RC Drone VTX Video Transmitter Module OSD Control (5 builds)
Banggood.com
$12.99

Antenna

Lumenier Micro AXII Shorty U.FL 5.8GHz Antenna (RHCP) (8 builds)
Getfpv.com
See Site

Receiver

FrSky R-XSR 2.4GHz 16CH ACCESS/ACCST Micro Receiver w/ S-Bus & CPPM (937 builds)
Getfpv.com
See Site

Batteries

TATTU 650mAh 4S1P 75C 14.8V Lipo Battery Pack with XT30 plug (45 builds)
Getfpv.com
See Site

Misc Parts

10 Meter TORAY T700SC 12K Carbon Fiber tow continuous filament Yarn thread tape
Ebay.com
$8.99

Misc Parts

5x M3 Aluminum Alloy 6061 Multi Color Knurled Standoff 10 15 20 25 30 35 40mm
Ebay.com
$3.69

Misc Parts

2pcs 3k Carbon Fiber Tube 5mm 6mm 7mm 8mm 9mm 10mm 11mm 12mm X 500mm Tubing AU
Ebay.com
$16.88

Misc Parts

Black Kevlar Cord Sewing Threads 380lb 500lb Heat Resistance Made with Kevlar
Ebay.com
$14.39

Misc Parts

Glue Masters (2 OZ Thin Viscosity) - Shoe & Wood Adhesive - General Home Repair Tool for Glass, Plastic, Rubber, Metal &
Amazon.com
$12.99

Misc Parts

10PC M3 3Color Aluminum Alloy Hex Socket Cap Screw Bolt Button Round Head
Ebay.com
$1.59
Show stores (4)

Discussion

Sign in to comment

matthew saigon   Feb 25, 2019  

can someone make the frame so i can buy ? i don't have resources to make it myself. i refer 4" 3 blade with 1407.

IvanNik   Feb 25, 2019 

I can try a 4'' frame, please send me pm.

Rc Exp   Feb 25, 2019  

your builds are amazing!!!!

IvanNik   Feb 25, 2019 
1

thanks, I'm trying :)

Jodie Froster   Feb 25, 2019  
1

I can't wait to see your post flight thoughts, and the results of your attachment techniques! The challenge of mounting tubes with precision has kept me away from them, but the structure has so many obvious benefits. I respect your ambition, and your discerning design process. I believe you have a keen mind, and are lucky, in that you have a good education to augment that. Please keep up the good work :)

IvanNik   Feb 25, 2019 

Thank you Jodie :)

MrElevator   Feb 24, 2019  
1

Great concept, have been wondering about tubes for arms aswell. Could you throw in some pictures without top plate and hardware?

IvanNik   Feb 24, 2019 
1

I did 2 frames: using a carbon fiber tow and Kevlar Cord. The Kevlar version looks clean, it defenetly better.
I added couple of photos of the second frame with carbon tow, the idea is the same..

Currently   Feb 23, 2019  

Cool build, any video? Would love to see this uberlight thing fly.

IvanNik   Feb 23, 2019 

Sorry, no video (raining) - will update later.

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