One of our first milestones for 2020 will be testing the engine for Titan in a horizontal orientation. This will ensure that the oil system and structure is acceptable before adding of the drive system. The test stand is now assembled and undergoing fit checks.
November 2019 Progress
We’ve recently completed a prototype of the power transfer hardware that will be used on our next generation rotor design. Carbon brushes, held in place with a custom 3D-printed holder, transfer power to copper plates on the rotor. On-board batteries will remain, providing a backup power source.
September 2019 Progress, Upcoming Events
Titan
The overall design is firming up and some conceptual drawings were completed to show the overall design. On the hardware side, manufacturing of the frame connectors was completed. These parts will couple the upper and lower frames together.
EVPR
The mechanical design of the Mk. II version is nearly complete and the manufacturing of the first prototype is about to start.
Portland Maker Faire, September 7-8
McCloud Aero Corp. will be displaying our Titan and Goliath vehicles at the Portland Mini-Maker Faire Saturday Sept 7 and Sunday Sept 8. Stop by our booth and check out our progress.
PNW Aerospace Expo, September 28
The 2019 PNW Aerospace Expo will be at Portland State University on Sept. 28. McCloud Aero Corp. will be present with both vehicles on display. Additionally I’ll be giving a talk on re-entry physics of Apollo.
August 2019 Progress, Portland Maker Faire
Over the last few months, Titan has begun to take shape. The engine mount and modified intake are complete and assembled. A portion of the upper frame has also been assembled. Design work has started on the frame connectors that will hold the two halves of the frame together and the hardware needed to integrate the pilot.
In other news, McCloud Aero Corp. will be back at the Portland Maker Faire, September 7-8 and bringing both prototype vehicles! This will be the first time that Titan will be on public display, so be sure to come and check it out!
OMSI After Dark: Astronomy
OMSI’s After Dark: Astronomy event on July 31, will be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the moon landing. I’ve been invited to speak, and will be sharing about bringing humans back from the moon.
Engine For Titan Has Arrived!
The engine for Titan has arrived! It’s a 5 cylinder radial with 60 Hp. Next step will be building the airframe. Can’t wait to hear how cool this thing sounds.
The engine as it arrived in the box 
The engine for titan in the engine hoist
Titan Multicopter Progressing, Vehicle Size Comparison
Design work on our Titan Multicopter has progressed sufficiently to determine the rotor layout and the overall vehicle size. Shown below is an outline of the vehicle compared to Goliath, a DJI Mavic Air and a banana.
Visit us at the Portland Maker Faire, Sept 15th and 16th!
McCloud Aero Corp. will be at the Portland Maker Faire on Sept 15th and 16th. We’ll have Goliath on display with a full set of the Electric Variable Pitch Rotors (EVPR). Stop by and visit us to see what’s new!
EVPR at CTRL-H for Hackaday World Create Day
Last weekend I stopped by Ctrl-H, a hackerspace in Portland for Hackaday’s World Create Day. The hackerspace is really neat place and there were a lot of people showing off neat projects. I brought the second Electric Variable Pitch Rotor prototype for the show and tell portion of the event. Thanks to Drew Fustini(@pdp7) for the photo!
Electric Variable Pitch Propeller
The latest project underway at McCloud Aero Corp is an Electric Variable Pitch Rotor (EVPR). This concept uses electric servos inside the the rotor hub to drive the rotor blades. Power and data are provided wirelessly, making the design self-contained. The concept is in the early stages of development, but you can follow the progress on Hackday.io. The EVPR has been entered for the 2017 Hackaday Prize, so you can support the project by going to Hackday.io and giving it a Like.