Surveillance plane with a 360-degree camera

The problem

Aerial monitoring of large areas is either very expensive — planes or professional drones — or very limited, like fixed cameras watching a single spot. For cases like searching for a missing person in the mountains, following a spreading fire, or inspecting a power line that runs for kilometers, you need something that covers a large area quickly at a cost you can afford to risk. A small glider strikes that balance: wide coverage at low cost.

How it works

1. TakeoffThe plane is launched by hand or from a simple platform, and the propeller pushes it forward.
2. FlightThe fixed wing lets the plane glide efficiently and cover longer distances than a multirotor drone.
3. ScanningThe camera rotates 360 degrees, covering every direction without maneuvering.
4. BroadcastThe live stream reaches the phone with the location's coordinates.
5. NavigationThe GPS module and altitude sensor hold the path and altitude.
6. BackWhen the battery runs low, the plane returns automatically to the launch point.

Project features

• A fixed wing covers far more distance than a multirotor drone on the same battery.
• The rotating camera watches every direction without the plane needing to maneuver.
• The low cost makes it acceptable to risk in difficult areas.
• Clear civilian uses: search and rescue, fire monitoring, infrastructure inspection, and agriculture.
• A visually impressive project: the flight itself shows the value of the idea.

Expected challenges

These are the main obstacles to expect during the build, laid out clearly so you know them before you start.

• Taking off and landing a fixed wing is much harder than with a vertical-takeoff drone.
• Payload weight directly affects balance and flight time.
• A light plane is easily pushed off course by the wind.
• Live stream range is limited and requires a suitable antenna.
• Flying any aircraft requires permission from the authorities.

The consultation gives you a solution for each one.

Expected committee questions

Prepare your answers in advance: these questions come up often in defenses of similar projects.

1. How were the plane's weight and wing area calculated to fly while carrying the camera?
2. How is the image stabilized despite the plane's vibration?
3. What is the live stream's range, and how much delay does it have?
4. How does the plane behave when the battery is low or the connection is lost?

Practice the defense, question by question