Making an INSANE Hovering RC F-35 VTOL Jet

I built this insane radio controlled VTOL F-35 parkjet that can takeoff and land vertically using conventional miniquad/drone parts. The best part is the plans and code are all free, and I’m going to teach you how to build your own.
Patreon: / nicholasrehm
FREE Plans and .STLs: hackaday.io/project/180603-rc...
FREE dRehmFlight F-35 Code: github.com/nickrehm/dRehmFlig...
dRehmFlight VTOL Tutorials: • dRehmFlight VTOL
This RC F-35 is a first in its class: easy to build, uses readily available drone parts, and features full vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capability. Powerful brushless motors with 5” propellers and direct thrust vectoring make this thing an absolute blast to fly. I’ve designed it to be intentionally tail-heavy with active stabilization in forward flight, just like the real F-35. This allows it to be extremely maneuverable so it can be flown in tight spaces, or taken out to a big field to let it rip at 80+ mph. The total weight is approximately 600 grams ready to fly. If you liked this or want to stay up to date with my VTOL projects, please consider subscribing! More fun projects are on the way.
Parts I’ve used and recommend for this project:
Motors: amzn.to/3qXXIU7
Propellers: amzn.to/3dMu52E
ESC: amzn.to/3KQTEit
Battery: amzn.to/2TEVEEp
Servos: amzn.to/3AO9s0V
Radio System: amzn.to/36eIT5Z
Teensy 4.0: amzn.to/3i5Zwqn
IMU: amzn.to/3htnU6a
00:00 Intro
02:45 Build
08:49 Coding
12:52 Controls and Hover Tests
14:47 Flights and Tips
#F35 #VTOL #Drone

[@NicholasRehm]

Special thanks to my buddy Peter for helping to film at the field: kzbin.info If you build one of these, I'd love to hear about it!!

[@dodo3441]

Still got my Teensy watiting to be put into some crazy craft ( Probably 2 axis thrust vectored X-31). Hopefully soon. Edit: I do have some 2205 Motors laying around, might have to build the f-35 as well :D

[@NicholasRehm]

@@dodo3441 Do Do Do it

[@moochasas]

Thanks for putting up the code. I will be doing this project over winter here (in Oz)... awesome project, much appreciated.

[@dodo3441]

@@NicholasRehm Is there a chance you could make a dedicated PID Tuning video some time? I know theres thousands for betaflight etc. But I suppose the stuff you have built does behave a little differently. Would be really helpful to have a general guideline on what to look for plus perhaps a little summary of the tuning process from your previous projects.

[@NicholasRehm]

@@dodo3441 that sounds like a great idea. Will put that on my to-do list

[@k1ortia]

This is bloody genius. who would ever of thought of attaching the motors to the moving ailerons in order to change the trust angle? genius. you have a new subscriber

[@NicholasRehm]

Cheers!

[@dontreadmyusername6787]

Really an admirable project

[@alfredawomi2340]

@@NicholasRehm Just don't sell yourself to China! China will come using in the likes Of how Shell Companies are so as to make the most out of you without you even realising.

[@oskarnilsson0712]

I love theese kind of planes called VTOL planes it is fantastic that theese kind of planes can angle their engines like the harrier jet

[@oliverquarmby1901]

@@oskarnilsson0712 think Harrier angles an exhaust vent, while engine stays fixed.

[@thezonadychannel]

making all of the resources free and open? this guy deserves more from youtube keep it up!

[@imchillyb]

The build is great, and the instructional is superb. Thank you!

[@peteadams8507]

Great job, and Thank you! After watching your clear and easy to understand videos, I am feeling motivated to try building this.

[@3DPrintSOS]

Just stumbled on your channel this am and now my productivity at work is absolute garbage. Amazing stuff man. Thank you for making all of this so accessible. One of the easiest subs I've come across on YT lately.

[@NicholasRehm]

Really appreciate it! Sorry about the productivity lol

[@firmankrisnadi7248]

This is what I have been looking for...many thanks for your kindness..I really appreciate..Bravo Nicholas

[@testflyrc7811]

Really cool vtol f-35! Great job building it and making this video! Your F-35 flew in combat at Flite Fest really well and went under the limbo rope! I was at Flite Fest!

[@reotseng3299]

This is awesome. Thank you for making this public!

[@silversrt4ken]

Thank you for generously giving back to the RC community, and asking nothing in return. Super impressed with all this, esp the coding. Wow. Great job.

[@NicholasRehm]

Now get building!! Thanks a ton

[@waimingyuen6259]

A scientist is sharing his knowledge with others. The best manoeuvre I have seen. Genius!

[@MasboyRC]

Really cool, its look so simple but stable and perfect to fly. Love it 👌

[@poporbit2432]

I've been following your development for some timd and I'm going to build this. Thank you

[@richardraimondo612]

Nick, thanks a lot for your video. This is an interesting project that can bring a lot of fun in the field. You did a great job!!

[@mikegriffiths7487]

Fabulous work! Thanks for giving us this.

[@hsnbrky]

It is so cool you share everything, not gonna do VTOL but the rest is so helpfull for my project. THANKS!!

[@pauloarias1913]

That’s insane man. Awesome video. Hopefully I can get myself to try it sometime.

[@hefeibao]

Thanks especially for sharing your plans. Like others, this is pretty motiving to try this myself.

[@abhinavgopinath7515]

Thanks for the build, great video.

[@salvadorhirth2919]

One of the coolest things I've ever seen! Genius!

[@bobmcnelis3648]

I’d be happy just showing up, and watching you perform that demo! Nice work!

[@waynewedge]

Very excellent and instructional video. Thank you for making this available. Definitely going to make one!

[@NicholasRehm]

Let me know how it goes!

[@Sandokans]

Thanks sir for all your work!! Excellent tutorial.. Cheers

[@makakura055]

Very impressive project, I like the design, great work

[@juliofoolio2982]

This is awesome! This I want to patronize. Thank you so much I now see a path to get into this awesome hobby. I am moving cross country but hope to get started this fall. Thank you again!

[@MrEngineer_]

That's the most comprehensive rc plane build video. Great job 🔥, That's an instant subscription.

[@stevennh1392]

Built two this weekend, the first one fell victim of reverse servos in forward mode, the second build went much faster! I tested hover and transition today in the yard. I hope to test forward mode next week at the flying field. Thanks for this cool design. I had most of what I needed in my "drone pile". Staples has some better quality foam than dollar store, my first one was dollar store and the paper coating would not stay in place, the staples stuff is way better, and laser cuts really well. Cheers! Oh, and I used a Teensy 4.1 instead of the Teensy 4.0, same pinout on the left hand side, and not a bunch more weight. I could not find the 4.0 anywhere. Edit: The second one flew great at the field this evening. Very happy. Thanks again Nick!!!

[@jasontried]

I can't believe I only just saw this! Fantastic work, I am looking forward to this.

[@guliyevshahriyar]

Thank you very much Rehmç especially for showing the design!

[@darkenblade986]

thank you so much for keeping this open source.

[@prestazitutoring-bimbingan2262]

Thanks for sharing this amazing knowledge and plan👍👍

[@alvgeirsteganehauge6999]

Thank you for a awsome plane!!!! I'm going to buy the parts I need tomorrow!!!

[@NicholasRehm]

Good luck with the build and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions

[@emyeukhoahoc3906]

This is best video i ever seen. Thank you very much for your detailed sharing

[@rc-fannl7364]

Nice project, and performs really well

[@mkpeker]

Awesome work dude! Congs 👍🏻

[@skinife]

Awesome video!

[@greatmatze]

This Thing is amazing!!!! Well done!!!!!!!

[@KenRomero]

Well Done! That high Alpha is SIIIICK!!

[@izwanmohd]

I havent flown an RC plane for a while this one seem easy to build nice one! thank for sharing

[@PilotDEE38]

This is sick !!! Crazy game changer brought to us by the man himself !!!! Hype

[@yoonyangil948]

Thanks for your kindness and share. I really appreciate.

[@VTOLKits]

Great video and build, thumb up!

[@mehmetyigitsoy256]

Hey Mr. Rehm thanks 4 this useful and amazing video🙏

[@nikiti4321]

Very cool, thank you !!! It helps for my project

[@temyraverdana6421]

It's amazing, Thanks a lot

[@m.irfanbasharat4480]

Incredible work💞 A little complicated for beginner w.r.t programming. Over all mind blowing Project.....💓

[@ariqzufar4562]

Very cool Nick!

[@master-gbig1140]

So totally cool words can not do it justice. "To day the RC world, tomorrow we're making um so we can ride um."

[@peterboy209]

DIY at it's best. And affordable 👍

[@abhishekkumarsingh9507]

You are Genius man...i never imagined anything could happen...fixing motor 😋

[@williamritter1066]

Every time I watch one of these I think how does he not have more subscribers. Freaking awesome

[@actionman9357]

Nicholas! You are just too cool! Thank you!

[@darkodimitrijevic8496]

Great video Nicholas. Thnx :))

[@wwjoesr]

Loved the video, flight, take off and landing. I also like your design on the vertical stab. Looks like my next build will be my first VTOL! Thanks Nicholas for posting. Will keep you updated when the project starts.

[@NicholasRehm]

Send pics/video!

[@wwjoesr]

@@NicholasRehm Will do!!!

[@tijnmestrom2153]

@@wwjoesr How did it turn out?

[@wwjoesr]

@@tijnmestrom2153 I didn’t build it yet, been building some nice 3d printed planes!

[@zacharymarino8926]

It'd be really cool to see the thrust system designed like the actually F-35: It has one engine but multiple nozzles, but only one of which is normally used. When in VTOL mode, the main nozzle is angled down and multiple other nozzles open up and have thrust vectored into them to actually allow for VTOL to work

[@GUSTAVOSALAZARTulocreas]

Thanks, I'm Gustavo from Colombia, great job

[@marmasteris]

Very ineteresting.Thanks.

[@kylehardy5256]

Great work, my guy!

[@AngelDiaz-hg7hn]

Looks awsome

you have to admit that you have some flying skills, its not just the flight controller... SUBSCRIBED!

[@straightouttheshed]

for years ive been perfecting my foamies to high alpha and hover nose up without onboard stability control, if fact i made another today and havent tested it yet. here you come and make this thing and first go it performs like i wished mine would! im still using a single larger motor and im going for scale and cheap. so prop in slot, hollow body thrust vectoring, underside rudders and 3s. With 1000g max thrust and a 700g all up weight, nose up hovers are a feat i think. props to your build man its sweet. i found alot of your characteristics you describe of steering with rudder and correcting with aileron are relatable to my builds in low speed high alpha maneuvers.

[@viceroy7792]

Most excellent!!

[@sneett7670]

The build guide too was soo perfect. I just don't understand why you don't have millions of subs

[@NicholasRehm]

Hey, thanks! Appreciate that a lot

[@designaddict101]

great info, thanks for sharing professionally...

[@ModitRC]

Outstanding work!

[@NicholasRehm]

Thanks!

[@lloydrmc]

Brilliant!

[@cochiseimprinting]

BRILLIANT!!

[@HaznieModelAviator]

This is so cool.. Thanks for build this one and make this available free to download 😍👌👍🎉

[@NicholasRehm]

Now get to building :)

[@HaznieModelAviator]

@@NicholasRehm can the code I use at the others arduino device then teensy?

[@NicholasRehm]

@@HaznieModelAviator Not really--some have ported it to other boards, but it won't run as fast as it needs to because the teensy 4/4.1 has a super fast processor and that's what this code was written for. Teensy also has additional i/o capability for the receiver in / actuator outputs that something like an arduino nano is lacking

[@HaznieModelAviator]

@@NicholasRehm thank you for the explanation.. Some parts are ready cut.. Wait for the teensy and the Esc.. Hope my budget next Month will enough to bough them 😅

[@aaronmarkstaller]

@@NicholasRehm Great video. I can't find any teensy's around with chips shortage, but I've got some esp32's and pi pico's around, would those, roughly 130mHz processing be fast enough for stabilizing?

[@user-ue2rj6lv5o]

Вы молодец! Такая модель достойна уважения. You are well done! Such a model deserves respect.

[@a330turbinex7]

Superb!!!

[@GUSTAVOSALAZARTulocreas]

Thanks Nicholas, very special, free download, thanks, crear explanation, I'm Gustavo from Medellín Colombia

[@Isaiah-Hughes]

This is so fricken cool

[@Mikolt1911]

Damn cool man!! Great work!

[@DynamoClips]

this is awesome hope you make it big one day

[@MATTB-rd1us]

Cool project, nice footage and editing. Fun channel...

[@nitinpal7459]

Great job sir gonna make this soon hope you will help me to overcome the problem

[@tungym]

Thanks you are Marvelous! You inspire me a lot.

[@innocentomara]

You concepts are very interesting so I subscribed to learn more

[@keenglitch2179]

i hope i can give 1 for my son. hes the first 1 pop in my mind when i see this plane.

[@imager09tube]

Very complex! Nice job man.

[@NicholasRehm]

Thanks a ton

[@snviper]

Dear Nicholas. My father in law who is a retired mechanical engineer built 4 of your F-35 jets and one of them was gifted to me for my 40th birthday. He actually cut the depron out on a 5 axis CNC and fiberglassed the main plate on both sides. He also built many pieces for it out of cnc'd wood, cnc'd fiberglass and many 3d printed parts he designed himself. I haven't been able to fly it much yet but thanks for your cool design!

[@NicholasRehm]

That is so dang cool, let me know if y’all have any videos of them! Feel free to link them here or shoot me an email [e-mail]

[@snviper]

@@NicholasRehm Finally managed to do more than hovering. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mpvalWZ-a86cnJY

[@diavolaccio1]

very interesting, surely I will make one too, I hope to be able to program it with the source code because every time I find myself programming there is always something wrong, congratulations and thank you very much for sharing

[@NicholasRehm]

You shouldn’t need to do much coding with the modified code I provided, best of luck

[@johncampbell9120]

WOW THE ARMY MIGHT WANT TO BUY THIS IDEA FROM YOU😮

[@amogh3195]

Brilliant!!! Great reference for rokkie me

[@Isaiah-Hughes]

Gosh, how I love the f-35

[@schrikeiv]

Nice 👍... Excellent video.. Great job man... Only problem is now I'm going to have to add another build to my list 😅 subscribed ....can't wait to see what you do next....

[@zayyandzikraka3833]

Greeting from Indonesia.. What an Awesome projects you did there.. 👍🏻

[@NicholasRehm]

Cheers!

[@michey7822]

Cool project

[@sector7offshore]

Great build!!! This will allow me to try some of my own designs. COOL. Please note though, Elevons are only attached to a wing. the common term for those surfaces is Taileron or Dfferential Stabs. Radio manufacturers created the inaccurate designations because of their limited coding abilities.

[@jbbolts]

Good on you man good job impressive to say the least

[@georgekilgore2572]

Awesome project! My students at the community college will love this project.

[@NicholasRehm]

What do you teach?

[@georgekilgore2572]

@@NicholasRehm I'm a STEM Advisor for college students.

[@robertparenton7470]

Thank You!

[@heartsky]

I feel inspired to make a plane, and to make a video, great job!

[@RahulRoy-ds7qt]

fantastic 👍

[@johnharen9921]

Very clever - also thanks for sharing all your info - especially the coding.

[@NicholasRehm]

Thanks John, hope you learned something

[@kwankunghkg]

Good Design Concepts 👍👍👍

[@NICHOLASRGLORIOSO]

Very cool!!

[@jmollick1]

NICE!

[@pabloleor6288]

Muchas gracias por tu aporte, genial el avión

[@mamadoubapassioninformatique]

Great ! Thanks for sharing.