Core Philosophy & Ideal Use Cases

This is a mission-specific aircraft. You build a 10-inch for one of two primary reasons:

1. Ultra-Long-Range Exploration (ULLR): The primary use. The sheer prop efficiency allows it to carry very large capacity Li-Ion battery packs (e.g., 6S4P 21700) for flight times exceeding 20-40 minutes and covering distances of 20+ kilometers round-trip.

2. Heavy Lift / Payload Carrier: To carry professional cameras (e.g., GoPro with large cage, small mirrorless), specialized sensors (LiDAR, multispectral), or delivery mechanisms. This is for professional/commercial applications.

3. NOT for: Acrobatic freestyle, proximity flying, or learning. It's a cruiser, not a fighter jet.

Key Characteristics

• Efficiency over Power: Optimized for amps-per-watt, not peak thrust. It flies smoothly and efficiently at a cruise throttle (25-40%).

• High Inertia & Mass: It carries a lot of weight (often 1.5kg - 2.5kg+ AUW). It handles wind well but cannot change direction quickly. Recovery from mistakes is slow.

• High Visibility & Noise: It is large, loud, and can be seen/heard from very far away. Stealth flying is impossible.

• High Consequence: A crash due to signal loss, battery failure, or pilot error often means total loss of a very expensive platform, potentially in inaccessible terrain.

Key Components for a 10-inch Build

1. Frame:

• True X or "Long-Range" Design: Frames are less common. You'll likely use frames from companies like Flywoo, Armattan (Chucky), or STM that are designed for 8-10" props. They are stout and have ample space for huge batteries and dual GPS.

• Material: Heavy-duty, thick-carbon frames to handle the mass and vibration.

2. Motors:

• Size: 2812, 2814, 3110, or even 3510. The stator is tall, not wide, prioritizing torque for large, slow-spinning props.

• KV (RPM per Volt): Very Low KV. For 6S, typical KV is 700-1100. This allows the use of massive, high-pitch props without over-amping the ESCs.

• Mounting: Often use a larger bolt pattern (16x16mm or 16x19mm) and a thicker shaft (4mm).

3. Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs) & Flight Controller (FC):

• ESC Amperage: Surprisingly, peak amperage isn't sky-high due to low KV. A 50A-60A 4-in-1 ESC is often sufficient, but reliability is paramount. High-quality components are a must.

• FC: An F7 or H7 with multiple UARTs is essential. You'll need them for: GPS #1, GPS #2 (for redundancy), Remote Receiver, Telemetry, maybe an Air Traffic Module (ADSB).

• Vibration Damping: Critical. Use thick, soft TPU gummies or a full soft-mount stack to isolate the FC from motor/prop harmonics.

4. Propellers:

• The Heart of the System: 10x4.5, 10x5, 10x7, or even specialized props like the 10x4.5 Cyclone or Ethix S4. Pitch and design are tuned for efficiency.

• Material: High-quality, balanced carbon fiber or stiff plastic (like HQProp). Unbalanced props at this size cause destructive vibration.

5. Battery & Power System:

• The Game Changer: This is where 10-inch shines.

  • LiPo: Used for lighter builds or payload carriers needing high discharge (e.g., 6S 3300-5000mAh).

  • Li-Ion (NMC): The standard for ULLR. 6S2P, 6S3P, or 6S4P packs built from 21700 cells (e.g., Samsung 40T, 50S, Molicel P42A). These offer incredible energy density (Wh/kg), trading peak power for endurance. Flight times of 30-60 minutes are possible.

• Voltage Regulator: A high-quality, filtered 9V/12V BEC is needed to power VTX, GPS, and receiver cleanly.

6. FPV & Control Link (CRITICAL)

• Control Link (RC):

  • ExpressLRS (ELRS) 900MHz is the absolute minimum. 2.4GHz can be used for mid-range, but 900MHz provides better penetration and range for the price.

  • Redundancy is common: A primary 900MHz link with a crossfire (915MHz) or LoRa-based backup receiver on a different frequency. Some use TBS Crossfire Diversity with two receivers.

  • Transmitter Power: 1W (1000mW) is standard, often pushed to 2W in open areas.

• Video Link (VTX):

  • Digital is dominant: DJI O3 Air Unit is popular for its incredible recording and good range. Walksnail and HDZero are also used, with Walksnail offering higher power VTX options.

  • Analog + Module: Some purists use 1.3GHz (Ghz) analog systems for ultimate penetration and range, paired with a 2.4/5.8GHz backup or telemetry-based system like TBS Fusion.

  • Antennas: High-gain directional antennas on the ground (e.g., helical, patch) are a must for maximum range. Trackers (like the TBS Tracker) that automatically point at the drone are used in extreme setups.

7. Navigation & Safety Systems (Non-Negotiable)

• Dual GPS: Two independent GPS modules (e.g., Beitian BN-880, M8N or M10). If one fails, the other provides data. Essential for GPS Rescue.

• Compass/Magnetometer: Usually integrated with the GPS. Required for proper navigation home.

• Return-to-Home (RTH) & GPS Rescue: Your primary safety net. Must be meticulously tested at altitude in a safe area.

• Beeper with Independent Battery: A loud buzzer (Vifly Finder 2) that works after a crash, even if the main battery is ejected.

• Remote ID Module: Legally required in many regions for drones of this size/weight.

Pre-Built & Frames

True 10-inch BNF drones are rare. You will mostly be building from a frame kit or adapting a large 8-inch.

• Flywoo Explorer LR 10" (one of the few dedicated BNFs)

• Armattan Chucky 10" (robust frame)

• STM 10" Frames (from the endurance community)