the best fpv plane I have ever seen. First of all when I saw the plane I didn't believe in it. Then I decided to build a small version of it so I started by taking the measurements out of some pictures and I built a 2 meter wingspan version of it. It was the best plane I have ever flown. The flifht characteristics were awesome. by then I sent an email to spark and then he very generously sent me the plans. Just yesterday I finished building a fiberglass version of gemini v2. also I cut the wing from foam using a cnc machine and covered the wings with very thin fiberglass cloth. I really believe in this awesome design that's why I want to build something unique for the project that I am doing. I really appreciate your great efforts Spike and I really thank you man. keep up the good work
I've just bought a laser cutter and was looking up ideas for making my own "perfect" FPV aircraft.... and somebody beat me to it.. Very impressed with the amazing attention to detail. I'm sold
Spike, I must say I do love your videos - as a mechanical Engineer, I appreciate equipment that's well engineered and the videos that are well presented - a great combination. Keep them coming!
Sorry to be offtopic but does anyone know of a method to get back into an instagram account?? I somehow forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Maxton Johan Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
Fantastic airplane! I'm pretty to see the project is definitely moving forward. All the upgrades are really nice. It makes this giant pretty easy to assemble/dissamble. Very nice job! Thanks for sharing and have a great week :) Long life to your company!
+Scott N Great to hear from you, Scott, Thanks again for the great hospitality, and think of you there at the ranch often. Let me know how it goes, and if there is anything i can help with in the meantime.
true, I can think of several other servos that could be shut down as well. I do think that the amp draw is very minimal, but true nonetheless. If i recall, the amp draw to maintain altitude is about 13 amps, and the amp draw when operating the servos with power off is about .2 amps, or something like that. still, over a long flight, if would add up. personally, i'm looking forward to retracting the gear on future designs.
I absolutely love your Gemini V-2 UAV... If I had a decent runway to taxi/take off/land I'd buy/build one in a heartbeat. Unfortunately I'm stuck with hand launches and belly landings. Keep the videos coming, I like your stuff :)
+BlueFlyer FPV nothing wrong with that. Thanks, maybe the next one will be more manageable for you. We're getting closer to releasing the future star, more about it on our website, maybe it's interesting to you. look on the advanced projects page. thanks for watching!
Well done! I'm sure the new owners will be very proud. Question: It appeared that the nose wheel turned opposite to the bank in steep turns. Since you slaved the nose wheel to the ailerons, does it indicate that you need some opposite aileron to control the bank? Could that be a reason autopilots seem to do better with a lower dihedral angle?
+FlyingMerf it's really hard to tell the difference wight the 2 different dihedral angles, at least in RC flight mode. the nose wheel turning opposite corresponds to the aileron movement, and what you are seeing is the control output to return the plane to level flight. it tends to stay in a banked turn, for a while, the self correction is very slow, but the aircraft is stable in spiral trajectory mode. it will eventually return to straight flight, if left alone.
Beautiful plane! The assembly at the field takes quite some time, and I think some things might have been made simplier - I mean I'm not trying to be the wise-ass, but still: the wing attachment - I think some pin through the end of the carbon tube, or even a velcro strap like the one used in Ritewing Drak - it would take much less time and be more convenient than screwing in 2 screws in the bottom of each wing. And the horizontal forces on the wings are rather neglegiable, so I suppose it should work just fine. The tail servos plugs - I think there are two options as well - as all the electronics share the same +5v and ground, would it not be simplier to run only two of these plus one signal wire on one plug, and the other three signal wires on the other? Or maybe even use some computer plugs with screws (like 9-pin d-sub)? This could also eliminate the possibility of human error, as these are impossible to connect the wrong way. As I said- I'm not trying to belittle your awesome work, just some thoughts.
+Greg Hudgins gad to hear it, let me know if you have any questions during the build. I plans on making a couple of videos soon regarding the mods, and how, exactly to do them.
+FPVREVIEWS , I would love to see videos on the mods. If all goes well, I will have the plans printed this week. I think that building this plane will be more fulfilling than just buying one off the shelf. Kind of a side note, I was looking at adding some solar panels to the wings, just a thought right now though.
Excellent video. This looks like a superb aerial surveillance platform. Large, roomy and with a long flying time. FPVers would have a blast with this platform for super long range distance flying. What size and make of battery would you recommend for the longest flight times?
+Ford Mustang really, i have only seen like 3-5 percent gain in power system efficiency, and if i make the plane any larger, it won't be easy to transport. they also increase the structural load on the wing, which is a major factor with high aspect ratios. i'm open to suggestions about exactly how to do it, however. I think the wing should be tapered a bit first, that way the wingtip device could be smaller.
What takeoff distance does this beaut need? Would i be able to launch from a football pitch? That is a soccer pitch for americans (not American football)
The PDF plans are available on our website, and payment is via Paypal. The plans for scratch building and also for the kit version are included, so no need to decide which when you purchase the plans. They are sent via dropbox, or email, whichever you prefer. Dropbox is easier. you do not have to have dropbox to receive the plans. just click on the link in the description to go to the website. lots more info on the "give me more data" page on the website, and if you have any other questions, just let me know here, or email: fpvreviews@gmai.com
I cannot get over the awesomeness that this plane has! It won't be any time real soon but I'm going to build a plane like this. Thank you very much for the inspiration! My wife isn't gonna like this ha ha ha.
When mine complains all I hear is "blah blah blah". Spent more on this project than our house cost to build, but it's way more fun, interesting, and have learned lots.
I love this work, it's exactly what i dream for, but i dont want Plans !, i want to buy pre-builded and being delibered in my home !. i don't know why there is no option "buy gemini" on your site ?!.
+thechromepoet it's a great concept, however the airframe weight itself is only 4 lbs, for a 3.2 meter wingspan aircraft, so it's hard to shed very much, and you'd need major carbon reinforcement for the blue foam, at this kind of aspect ratio. That said, i'm sure it is possible to make it lighter from composites, but I'm afraid it's not going to be that simple. the blue foam method works best for models which have short wings. if anyone makes a composite version, i'd love to see it.
+TheLipRipp3r thanks, Dave! They wanted the air brakes after seeing your mod on the website. you're right, they work well, and don't cause any pitch moment. if anything, it was even more stable in yaw on approach. i didn't get to fly it much, but did 3 approaches with the air brakes deployed.
+FPVREVIEWS Thanks! Exactly why I made that change - plus much steeper approach angle to avoid near obstacles (gotta keep the power on just like flaps, though), and substantially shorter run-off upon landing, too!
+iskess i agree, but the rudder is a fairly critical control surface, a bit more than most planes, because of the high aspect ratio, there is a lot more adverse yaw than usual on sport planes. also, the dual rudders, and all mods on this airframe were by specific request by our friends in Norway, so it was not my decision. so for me it was just a question of : Why Not? not exactly what i would have picked for my plane, but i'm sure their requests are based on some prior experience.
Spike...Once again, great job. Congrats. I'm curious as to what engineering background you have. You certainly don't see your average hobbyist go and design an airplane of this magnitude.
+BenRoth Independent study only. I didn't finish high school. I tested out because i thought i was wasting my time. have not regretted it yet. anything i want to know, i just research it. My interest in aerodynamics and structures goes back as far as i can remember. my only college was in foreign language. i guess it just goes to show, that if you are determined, nothing can stop you. lead, and the world will follow, or something corny like that.
That's impressive. And inspiring. So sizing and structure of your aircraft comes from Internet research/text books and that sort of thing? of course, where else would it come from...
+BenRoth yes, and also, I take inspiration from full size aircraft, especially HALE and MALE large UAV's for overall configuration, as it scales, and human, and solar powered aircraft as they operate at similar reynolds numbers. also take into account prior experience, as it's not the first aircraft i have designed. My other channel is bearospace , so some of the experience came from the Atlantis, and the Super Moose. also, designed, built, and flew several prototypes before releasing the design. just live, and sleep, thinking about airplanes. fun stuff.
I want one!! Do you have a special license to fly high and FPV? What's the situation in US at the moment. In norway we cannot fly higher than 100m (~300 ft) and we need a spotter if we want to fly FPV. Which basically limits the range to a few hundred meters. Boaring!
Try the robart products. I'm partial to the trailing link struts, but for a forked strut, try this for wheels up to 3.25 inches: robart.com/collections/robostruts-by-diameter-7-16-dia/products/664m-7-16-dia-fixed-steerable-nose-gear-robostrut or this one for up to 4 inch wheel: robart.com/collections/robostruts-by-diameter-1-2-dia/products/1-2-dia-fork-robostrut-4-wheel-max
I'm new to this, and something strikes me: Wouldn't you want to propellers to be spinning the opposite direction? Assuming that the motors have differential thrust to assist with yaw, and the rudder is above the center of mass, it looks like the torque of the accelerated motor would be amplifying the roll influence of the rudder on a coordinated turn, requiring more aileron authority to counteract. Try to keep the explanation simple, I'm not an engineer.
+HatfieldCW the direction that the turn is for the sole purpose of counteracting their offset from centerline with their torque, in the event of one of them failing in flight. it has nothing to do with handling. In fact, you are right in a way, it has been proven that most planes handle better with them turning in the "wrong" direction, but I have gone for safety here. An interesting, (well documented) example of this, is the P-38 lightning. For that airplane, they turned them the other way, to assist with gun accuracy. Too late to ask Kelly about it, he died a few years ago. Maybe if Gemini ever gets used in the ground attack role for close air support, (hope not ever) we'll try putting them on the other way. It would be interesting to experiment with. Thanks for mentioning it. spike
Friend. Say, if one engine fails? One motor can return home? 2 Servo machine wheel rate and 2 cars elevator servo is redundant? for insurance? in case of failure
the best fpv plane I have ever seen. First of all when I saw the plane I didn't believe in it. Then I decided to build a small version of it so I started by taking the measurements out of some pictures and I built a 2 meter wingspan version of it. It was the best plane I have ever flown. The flifht characteristics were awesome. by then I sent an email to spark and then he very generously sent me the plans. Just yesterday I finished building a fiberglass version of gemini v2. also I cut the wing from foam using a cnc machine and covered the wings with very thin fiberglass cloth. I really believe in this awesome design that's why I want to build something unique for the project that I am doing. I really appreciate your great efforts Spike and I really thank you man.
keep up the good work
I've just bought a laser cutter and was looking up ideas for making my own "perfect" FPV aircraft.... and somebody beat me to it.. Very impressed with the amazing attention to detail. I'm sold
Spike, I must say I do love your videos - as a mechanical Engineer, I appreciate equipment that's well engineered and the videos that are well presented - a great combination. Keep them coming!
Sorry to be offtopic but does anyone know of a method to get back into an instagram account??
I somehow forgot my account password. I would appreciate any tricks you can give me
@Kai Ramon Instablaster ;)
@Maxton Johan Thanks for your reply. I got to the site thru google and I'm trying it out now.
Takes a while so I will get back to you later when my account password hopefully is recovered.
@Maxton Johan It did the trick and I now got access to my account again. I'm so happy:D
Thanks so much you saved my ass :D
@Kai Ramon You are welcome =)
I can't get over what a well designed aircraft this it.
Very good plane for FPV, congratulations!
You need to sell their Gemini in ARF version
Fantastic looking bird Spike.Congratulations on your international sales.
The extended nose block really improves its appearance. Beautiful and very useful airplane.
Fantastic airplane!
I'm pretty to see the project is definitely moving forward.
All the upgrades are really nice. It makes this giant pretty easy to assemble/dissamble. Very nice job!
Thanks for sharing and have a great week :)
Long life to your company!
awesome video
great work mats where are u aust or elsewere please
Good job spike. I can't wait to hear how the customers experience goes. I'm looking forward to no snow so I can get mine in the air.
+Scott N Great to hear from you, Scott, Thanks again for the great hospitality, and think of you there at the ranch often. Let me know how it goes, and if there is anything i can help with in the meantime.
its okay spike, u dont need to be sad
Not sure why I'd be sad...???
Great plane.How much extra payload can you carry in the truck ?
The one in Australia is a tail dragger, nice!
Looks amazing! Congrats!
So many excellent details! Very well thought out.
nice, an on/off switch for the front wheel servo would save some energy .. disengage after takeoff and engage before landing
true, I can think of several other servos that could be shut down as well. I do think that the amp draw is very minimal, but true nonetheless. If i recall, the amp draw to maintain altitude is about 13 amps, and the amp draw when operating the servos with power off is about .2 amps, or something like that. still, over a long flight, if would add up. personally, i'm looking forward to retracting the gear on future designs.
Hi Spike. I've been watching all your videos. Great.I just ordered a set of plans. Can't wait to get started on this magnificent aircraft.
+SmokeFlame1 I just sent them. Feel free to contact me anytime with questions. Thanks for your plans purchase!
Amazing plane! i just love it!
I just love your movies, I see them several times :) I will buy myself a Gemini V -2 LASERCUT kit
This looks like a really solid airplane!
very well done for demonstration it is easy to figure out the plane.
FPVReviews, do you guys have the designs for the engine cowling?
Wonder whether it will fly on one motor?
I absolutely love your Gemini V-2 UAV... If I had a decent runway to taxi/take off/land I'd buy/build one in a heartbeat. Unfortunately I'm stuck with hand launches and belly landings. Keep the videos coming, I like your stuff :)
+BlueFlyer FPV nothing wrong with that. Thanks, maybe the next one will be more manageable for you. We're getting closer to releasing the future star, more about it on our website, maybe it's interesting to you. look on the advanced projects page. thanks for watching!
+FPVREVIEWS Whaaaaat? That looks incredible. I can't wait to see more from you guys.
Well done! I'm sure the new owners will be very proud.
Question: It appeared that the nose wheel turned opposite to the bank in steep turns. Since you slaved the nose wheel to the ailerons, does it indicate that you need some opposite aileron to control the bank? Could that be a reason autopilots seem to do better with a lower dihedral angle?
+FlyingMerf it's really hard to tell the difference wight the 2 different dihedral angles, at least in RC flight mode.
the nose wheel turning opposite corresponds to the aileron movement, and what you are seeing is the control output to return the plane to level flight. it tends to stay in a banked turn, for a while, the self correction is very slow, but the aircraft is stable in spiral trajectory mode. it will eventually return to straight flight, if left alone.
Beautiful plane!
The assembly at the field takes quite some time, and I think some things might have been made simplier - I mean I'm not trying to be the wise-ass, but still:
the wing attachment - I think some pin through the end of the carbon tube, or even a velcro strap like the one used in Ritewing Drak - it would take much less time and be more convenient than screwing in 2 screws in the bottom of each wing. And the horizontal forces on the wings are rather neglegiable, so I suppose it should work just fine.
The tail servos plugs - I think there are two options as well - as all the electronics share the same +5v and ground, would it not be simplier to run only two of these plus one signal wire on one plug, and the other three signal wires on the other? Or maybe even use some computer plugs with screws (like 9-pin d-sub)? This could also eliminate the possibility of human error, as these are impossible to connect the wrong way.
As I said- I'm not trying to belittle your awesome work, just some thoughts.
....and I'm particularly jealous of your flying site!
I like the mods very much. I just got my kit plans so I am getting ready for the build.
Looking forward to getting mine built and in the air.
+Greg Hudgins gad to hear it, let me know if you have any questions during the build. I plans on making a couple of videos soon regarding the mods, and how, exactly to do them.
+FPVREVIEWS , I would love to see videos on the mods.
If all goes well, I will have the plans printed this week. I think that building this plane will be more fulfilling than just buying one off the shelf. Kind of a side note, I was looking at adding some solar panels to the wings, just a thought right now though.
Awesome design Spike! Wish i had room for a big bird like this. Would love to build the kit.
+eastcoast78 Thanks! It fits in the trunk of a compact car.
Can we buy the gemini anywhere?
Excellent video. This looks like a superb aerial surveillance platform. Large, roomy and with a long flying time. FPVers would have a blast with this platform for super long range distance flying. What size and make of battery would you recommend for the longest flight times?
Nice plane! Why don't you use just one 12pin connection for tail ? Looks reasonable to me...
Very beautiful plane !!! Great job.
Spike, why don't you using winglets on the wings? It save 30 % battery capacity.
+Ford Mustang really, i have only seen like 3-5 percent gain in power system efficiency, and if i make the plane any larger, it won't be easy to transport. they also increase the structural load on the wing, which is a major factor with high aspect ratios. i'm open to suggestions about exactly how to do it, however. I think the wing should be tapered a bit first, that way the wingtip device could be smaller.
What is the camera use ?
thank you Spike, all the best
So nice!!!!!! Congrats man!
What takeoff distance does this beaut need? Would i be able to launch from a football pitch? That is a soccer pitch for americans (not American football)
would you share or sell the drawings constructions?
The PDF plans are available on our website, and payment is via Paypal.
The plans for scratch building and also for the kit version are included, so no need to decide which when you purchase the plans. They are sent via dropbox, or email, whichever you prefer. Dropbox is easier. you do not have to have dropbox to receive the plans. just click on the link in the description to go to the website.
lots more info on the "give me more data" page on the website, and if you have any other questions, just let me know here, or email: fpvreviews@gmai.com
Hi ....FPVREVIEWS
Thank for you .. these great ..supplied by us are and thanks for ..the wonderful work
How can I get on the plane scheme Gemini V-2
buy on the website
On 23:50 how it stop so quickly? Wery nice work your plane ;)
I cannot get over the awesomeness that this plane has! It won't be any time real soon but I'm going to build a plane like this. Thank you very much for the inspiration! My wife isn't gonna like this ha ha ha.
When mine complains all I hear is "blah blah blah". Spent more on this project than our house cost to build, but it's way more fun, interesting, and have learned lots.
I love this work, it's exactly what i dream for, but i dont want Plans !, i want to buy pre-builded and being delibered in my home !. i don't know why there is no option "buy gemini" on your site ?!.
Imagine making this from bluecore foam used to make the edf Viggen on FliteTest. You would shed like 10 lbs on the air frame.
+thechromepoet it's a great concept, however the airframe weight itself is only 4 lbs, for a 3.2 meter wingspan aircraft, so it's hard to shed very much, and you'd need major carbon reinforcement for the blue foam, at this kind of aspect ratio. That said, i'm sure it is possible to make it lighter from composites, but I'm afraid it's not going to be that simple. the blue foam method works best for models which have short wings. if anyone makes a composite version, i'd love to see it.
This thing is awesome!
spike are these new motor pods on the cut kit or they are custom ?
+Aron Gatt they re just re-arranged from the kit parts, just put them in a different place.
how would one go about setting up an autopilot system to loiter around a specified area like a uav?
Better read up on the arduplane documentation.
Great work with all those changes...
+TheLipRipp3r thanks, Dave! They wanted the air brakes after seeing your mod on the website. you're right, they work well, and don't cause any pitch moment. if anything, it was even more stable in yaw on approach. i didn't get to fly it much, but did 3 approaches with the air brakes deployed.
+FPVREVIEWS Thanks! Exactly why I made that change - plus much steeper approach angle to avoid near obstacles (gotta keep the power on just like flaps, though), and substantially shorter run-off upon landing, too!
+TheLipRipp3r very true, it's always easier to judge the approach angle, and point of touchdown when he approach angle is steeper.
+FPVREVIEWS You got that right! ...much needed in tight spaces, and inclement weather with such a big bird! :)
for long range which system is better euhf or dragon link????????????
Why dual rudders? Unless you suffer a motor failure at the same time, it's not really a critical flight control surface.
+iskess i agree, but the rudder is a fairly critical control surface, a bit more than most planes, because of the high aspect ratio, there is a lot more adverse yaw than usual on sport planes. also, the dual rudders, and all mods on this airframe were by specific request by our friends in Norway, so it was not my decision. so for me it was just a question of : Why Not? not exactly what i would have picked for my plane, but i'm sure their requests are based on some prior experience.
how do we get price?
Spike...Once again, great job. Congrats.
I'm curious as to what engineering background you have. You certainly don't see your average hobbyist go and design an airplane of this magnitude.
+BenRoth Independent study only. I didn't finish high school. I tested out because i thought i was wasting my time.
have not regretted it yet. anything i want to know, i just research it. My interest in aerodynamics and structures goes back as far as i can remember. my only college was in foreign language.
i guess it just goes to show, that if you are determined, nothing can stop you.
lead, and the world will follow, or something corny like that.
That's impressive. And inspiring. So sizing and structure of your aircraft comes from Internet research/text books and that sort of thing? of course, where else would it come from...
+BenRoth yes, and also, I take inspiration from full size aircraft, especially HALE and MALE large UAV's for overall configuration, as it scales, and human, and solar powered aircraft as they operate at similar reynolds numbers.
also take into account prior experience, as it's not the first aircraft i have designed. My other channel is bearospace , so some of the experience came from the Atlantis, and the Super Moose. also, designed, built, and flew several prototypes before releasing the design. just live, and sleep, thinking about airplanes.
fun stuff.
who to use kv motor
Great plane,very well designed.
👏👏👏👏👏👏
how much for that configuratiion
Fantastic plane! Very interesting channel.
Thank you.
so Beautiful thanks for video
how do you wire twa ap`s?
hi how much will this cost me to build
I want one!! Do you have a special license to fly high and FPV? What's the situation in US at the moment. In norway we cannot fly higher than 100m (~300 ft) and we need a spotter if we want to fly FPV. Which basically limits the range to a few hundred meters. Boaring!
+Øystein don't know, I'm not in the U.S.
well, there are always rural areas....
+FPVREVIEWS oh sorry, I thought you had an american accent. Thanks for the answer.
+Øystein I do have an american accent, i am from the U.S, just not living there right now. so you are correct. good guess.
Hello Spike.
Aperently fults dont make the F50 's anymore. Any advice for another dual strut landing gear?
Regards Martin.
Try the robart products. I'm partial to the trailing link struts, but for a forked strut, try this for wheels up to 3.25 inches:
robart.com/collections/robostruts-by-diameter-7-16-dia/products/664m-7-16-dia-fixed-steerable-nose-gear-robostrut
or this one for up to 4 inch wheel:
robart.com/collections/robostruts-by-diameter-1-2-dia/products/1-2-dia-fork-robostrut-4-wheel-max
Thank you for your videos
Nice plane !
I'm new to this, and something strikes me: Wouldn't you want to propellers to be spinning the opposite direction? Assuming that the motors have differential thrust to assist with yaw, and the rudder is above the center of mass, it looks like the torque of the accelerated motor would be amplifying the roll influence of the rudder on a coordinated turn, requiring more aileron authority to counteract. Try to keep the explanation simple, I'm not an engineer.
+HatfieldCW the direction that the turn is for the sole purpose of counteracting their offset from centerline with their torque, in the event of one of them failing in flight. it has nothing to do with handling. In fact, you are right in a way, it has been proven that most planes handle better with them turning in the "wrong" direction, but I have gone for safety here. An interesting, (well documented) example of this, is the P-38 lightning. For that airplane, they turned them the other way, to assist with gun accuracy. Too late to ask Kelly about it, he died a few years ago.
Maybe if Gemini ever gets used in the ground attack role for close air support, (hope not ever) we'll try putting them on the other way. It would be interesting to experiment with. Thanks for mentioning it.
spike
Thanks for the explanation, Spike. It's always fun to learn things.
why split rudder?
it's in case of servo failure. In theory, you could actuate them separately, by mixing them, retain rudder function, and use them as an air brake too.
beautiful plane 👍👍
Thats Awesome!! Can i have one?
great work thank you for sharing
Cool. I want one.
The C 60 Solar panels would Suitable for the V - 2
Awesome!
You're Videos are Noted for A1 DETAILS Spike / now move to the Latest Direction with Solar power
why should i care about a fault of the ruder??
Alavator and ailerons are much more importend for kontrole.
She's a beaut!
congratulations Sr good joob
cool
Niceee Thank you i like yours videos
Great design! Thinking of buying the plans for future (far future) use, or just for support :-) *feeling philanthropic*
Friend. Say, if one engine fails? One motor can return home? 2 Servo machine wheel rate and 2 cars elevator servo is redundant? for insurance? in case of failure
Hi spike just sent you an email regarding d the battery
+Ritchie AQ yep, got it, just replied. thanks for your inquiry.
Give your V - 2 an ALL NEW Direction Testing Solar power !!!
这么好的航模，在中国很稀少，真的不错