by Bruce Tharpe
BTE seems to be turning in a new direction. In the first dozen years, my entire focus was on designing and
manufacturing the finest sport R/C kits available. During the past several years however, I have taken
on a couple of large building projects in the UAV arena as shown below. It has become
apparent that there is a real need for inexpensive, all-wood airframes that are stable and capable of carrying
a significant payload. Be it for commercial, educational, or military use, BTE can provide
this type of airframe in a range of sizes and levels of completion.
UAV AIRFRAME OPTIONS
SUPER FLYIN' KING
Although it was originally designed as a sport R/C model, several
institutions across the U.S. have purchased the standard SFK wood kit and accessories to be used for
research projects or heavy lifting. As designed, the SFK can easily lift up to a 20 lb. payload.
This is the least expensive way to get an airframe, but will require facilities,
skilled builders, and significant time to complete. Modifications can be made while building to
suit your requirements. A twin-engine modification package is available as an option.
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<Go to Super Flyin' King Page
NASA UAV TRAINERS
These four airframes were built at BTE for NASA Dryden. The contract specified that the
aircraft be delivered built and covered, but with no radio or engine installed. They are
essentially Super Flyin' Kings, but modifications included tricycle landing gear, wingspan
shortened to 9.5 feet, and numerous access hatches. This is a perfect example of how each
airframe can be custom built to meet the requirements of the buyer.
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<Go to NASA Trainer Page
SUPER HAULER - UND Tricycle Gear
The University of North Dakota was one of those institutions that built a Super Flyin' King kit
for themselves. They were very happy with the airplane's performance and capability, but wanted to
lift larger payloads. With a bit of stretching and widening, the Super Hauler was born. This
airframe is optomized for lifting, and can handle payloads up to 30 lbs. It is not available as a
kit, but custom airframes can be built under contract at BTE. Airframes can be provided with or
without covering, engines, or radio systems. One of the great things about an all-wood structure is
that personnel with traditional modeling experience will be comfortable with making modifications
and repairs as necessary.
<Go to UND Super Hauler Page
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SUPER HAULER - TVN Taildragger
This variant of the original Super Hauler was built for TornadoVideos.net (TVN) and will be used
to drop sensor probes into oncoming tornados. Its exciting mission will be filmed by the Discovery
Channel and may be seen in the upcoming season of "Storm Chasers." Built by Bruce in eight weeks,
this Super Hauler features taildragger landing gear, which is probably better suited to the rough
terrain expected for operations. Again, this is a prime example of how the airframe can be customized.
<Go to "Storm Chaser" Super Hauler Page
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AVAILABILITY AND ORDERING INFORMATION
Super Flyin' King kits and accessories are normally in stock and ready to ship immediately.
Custom-built airframes like the NASA Trainers or Super Haulers will require several weeks for construction.
If you are truly interested in having an airframe built, please give me a call or email so we can
discuss your unique design requirements. From that, I will generate a detailed quote for your
consideration. It really is that simple. 1-800-557-4470 in the U.S.
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