Build and Fly Your Own VTOL F-35 Parkjet

Nick Rehm recently shared with us a new project that enables you to build a full-VTOL F-35 radio-controlled parkjet using conventional miniquad/drone components. VTOL has been notoriously difficult to construct and get working in the world of RC due to flight controller limitations. But, using a fully custom flight controller code, this DIY jet manages smooth transitions between hover, where it flies like a regular multirotor drone, to forward flight, where it flies like a foamie parkjet. It can reach speed in excess of 80 MPH, and active stabilization and aileron-mounted motors for thrust vectoring allow for impressive maneuverability and control, as shown in the video below.

All of the custom code, developed to be easily understandable, is available on GitHub, along with a modified version of dRehmFlight. Code includes tunable variables for servo offsets and PID tunable parameters added to each flight mode, allowing them to be tuned independently for the best performance in each mode. Set-up tutorials for the flight controller hardware and hooking up the radio receiver are available via YouTube while the plans, .STL files and a full list of components and recommended parts are available on Hackaday. The body of the jet is made from dollar store foam board and hot glued together. Other purchasable components include the radio system, GY-521 IMU, Teensy 4.0, propellers, and motors, while smaller parts like motor mounts are 3D-printed.

If you’re looking for a fun project that you get to fly around later, the jet is lightweight, built out of readily available parts, and plans, code, and tutorials are all provided for free. Rehm’s YouTube channel also promises updates and more fun VTOL projects to come.