Knowing I’m a gadget fan a while ago a friend sent me a youtube clip of a german guy who had designed a very clever multi-rotor remote control helicopter that was capable of automonous and stable flight.

A couple of clicks later I discovered FPV (first person view) where the aircraft can carry a camera that transmits video back to the ground where the pilot is wearing video goggles therefore seeing whatever the camera sees.  Add on a head-tracking device and a tilt/pan mount for the camera and you have an immersive virtual flying experience!

The multi-rotor helicopters are fairly expensive, however electrically powered foam fixed wing aircraft are very cheap (<$200) and offer a great way to get into FPV flight.

To start I selected the Multiplex Twinstar II kit for about $150.  Tho this I will need to add a radio reciever as well as the other various electronic brains it will need to know where it is, control itself and transmit video back to me.

This Swede has a similar setup to what I am aiming at – have a look at this HD youtube video.