This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of building a compact, lightweight FPV-capable replica of the Piaggio P.180 Avanti aircraft. The build focuses on using inexpensive components like foam (e.g., styrofoam or depron), brushed motors, an ESP32-CAM module for FPV, and basic control via coil actuators or dual-motor thrust vectoring. The aim is to create a functional, minimalist FPV plane using microcontrollers and camera modules that can be controlled via a smartphone.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Materials and Components
Airframe Design and Construction
Electronics Integration
Motor and Actuator Setup
FPV System Configuration
Power Supply and Battery Mounting
Weight Optimization
Testing and Calibration
Flying and Controls
Future Upgrades
Safety Notes
1. Introduction
The Piaggio P.180 Avanti is an Italian twin turboprop aircraft known for its unique canard configuration and rear-mounted pushing propellers. In this miniature foam replica, we aim to capture its basic shape and unique look while enabling real-time FPV control.
Goals:
Lightweight foam airframe (< 70g total)
ESP32-CAM FPV streaming to phone
Basic two-channel control (e.g., rudder + elevator or dual motor thrust)
Simplified build with minimal parts
2. Materials and Components
Electronics:
ESP32-CAM (for FPV stream)
ESP32 Dev Module / RP2040 with ESP8285 (for control logic)
DRV8833 motor driver
2x brushed motors (6 mm or 7 mm)
2x 65 mm propellers
LiPo Battery: 3.7V 300–500 mAh
Coil actuators x2 (optional, for canards or rudder)
Frame and Structure:
Foam board / depron / insulation foam / foam trays
Carbon rods or skewers (for reinforcement)
Hot glue, UHU Por, or foam-safe CA glue
Utility knife, ruler, pencil
Optional:
Mobile app for viewing ESP32-CAM stream (e.g., MJPEG Viewer)
Voltage regulator (if needed for ESP32/Camera)
3. Airframe Design and Construction
The P.180 Avanti layout includes a forward canard, mid-fuselage wing, and rear pusher propeller(s). We'll approximate this layout using lightweight foam.
Fuselage:
Cut a fuselage body (approx. 25–30 cm long) with a rounded nose.
Hollow out or layer foam to leave space for electronics.
Reinforce the fuselage with a carbon spar.
Wings:
Canards:
Mounting:
4. Electronics Integration
Wiring Layout:
Power the ESP32-CAM and controller via the same LiPo battery (regulated if needed).
Connect motor outputs to DRV8833, and control inputs to the microcontroller.
If using coil actuators, connect via GPIOs with transistor drivers.
Placement:
Place heavy components (battery, motor) as close to the center of gravity (CG) as possible.
Mount camera facing forward through a small cutout.
5. Motor and Actuator Setup
Option A: Twin motor thrust control
Option B: One motor + coil actuators
DRV8833 can drive both brushed motors and coil actuators.
6. FPV System Configuration
ESP32-CAM can broadcast live video over Wi-Fi.
Steps:
Flash the ESP32-CAM with MJPEG streaming sketch.
Connect to its Wi-Fi access point with a smartphone.
Open MJPEG stream in a browser or app.
Mount the camera module in the front of the plane.
7. Power Supply and Battery Mounting
Use a 3.7V 300–500 mAh LiPo battery.
Keep it centered for balance.
If necessary, use a buck/boost regulator for 5V components.
Estimated power usage:
8. Weight Optimization
Target total weight: 50–70 grams
Use the lightest possible foam.
Avoid long wires; keep layout compact.
Consider 6 mm brushed motors over 7 mm.
Use one motor if thrust is sufficient.
Remove unused camera features (e.g., flash LED).
9. Testing and Calibration
Test each electronic component before embedding it.
Balance the plane on its CG point (roughly 1/3 wing chord).
Calibrate motor thrust to ensure liftoff is possible.
Stream FPV video and verify quality and latency.
10. Flying and Controls
Control Methods:
Launch tips:
Hand-launch in calm wind.
Keep first flights short.
Monitor FPV stream and battery.
11. Future Upgrades
Add gyro for stabilization (MPU6050 or similar)
Add GPS for telemetry
Use larger battery or solar cell for more endurance
Integrate OTA updates for ESP32
Add full servo-based control surfaces
12. Safety Notes
Always fly in an open area.
Avoid flying near people or animals.
Check battery and propellers before every flight.
Monitor temperatures and ensure ESP32 doesn’t overheat.
Conclusion
This build is a fantastic mix of creativity, electronics, and aerodynamics. It proves that even microcontrollers and foam can achieve functional FPV flight. The result is a charming, functional miniature replica of the Piaggio P.180 Avanti.
Let your mini Avanti soar!
Download code HERE
