COPELANDRED LLC UAV

FreeFly Systems (Legacy Platform) (ALTA RTF)

CopelandRED LLC (Delta wing program)

INFORMATION MANUAL

MULTI-ROTOR UAS

Octocopter

Hexacopter

Quadcopter

Delta Wing

LLC
This page intentionally left blank.

i

NOTICE

COPELAND

RED LLC 

UAV

THIS INFORMATION MANUAL 

SERVES AS THE OFFICIAL PILOT’S 

OPERATING HANDBOOK FOR 

THE SPECIFIED UNMANNED 

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS.

THIS PILOT’S OPERATING 

HANDBOOK MUST ACCOMPANY 

THE PILOT DURING ALL PHASES 

OF FLIGHT. 
CONFIGURATION

1. FreeFly Systems ALTA RTF

2. Synapse

3. RTF Motors

4. RTF Props

5. Graupner Radio RX/TX / Fuji

Limitations:

The use of this manual is only applicable in the stated 

configuration.

This manual refers to the aircraft only and does not 

include a gimbal or other payloads.

INTRODUCTION

PERFORMANCE - SPECIFICATIONS

ALTA

FreeFly Systems ALTA UAS (Continued)

Notes:

The use of propellers 14X5 L/R authorized for this platform.

This aircraft may use one or two flight packs for power.

*Ramp & Takeoff weights include 2 lb camera, mount plate and MOVI Gimbal.

2

*SPEED

 MAXIMUM (UAS HA BEEN DESIGNED TO WITHSTAND 

WIND SPEEDS WITH OUT A SHEAR FACTOR OF 65 KNOTS)

<87KNOTS

MAXIMUM OPERATION ALTITUDE

 

24,000 Feet

5000 Meters

WEIGHT

 Maximum Weight ....................................................

 Ramp ........................................................................

 Takeoff .....................................................................

 Standard Empty ......................................................

 Maximum Useful Load ...........................................

50 lbs

17.3 lbs

17.3 lbs

7 lbs

31 lbs

MOTORS

 The FFS ALTA may be configured RTF as a 6 or 8 

motor system.

480 KV

PROPELLER

 Split blade, R/L CF PROP (Carbon Prop)

2x 15X5R

2x 15X5L

FLIGHT PACK

 6s, 25C continuous Discharge / 50C Burst, 9Ah

22.2 V

2.8 lbs

FreeFly Systems

Alta
CONFIGURATION

1. FreeFly Systems Octocopter Airframe (Legacy)

2. Mikrokopter Avionics

• Power Distribution

• Flight Control

• GPS

• Navigation

3. Tiger Motor

4. Tiger Propellers

5. Graupner Radio RX/TX

Limitations:

The use of this manual is only applicable in the stated 

configuration.

This manual refers to the aircraft only and does not 

include a gimbal or other payloads.

INTRODUCTION

PERFORMANCE - SPECIFICATIONS

OCTOCOPTER

OCTOCOPTER UAS (Continued)

Notes:

The use of propellers 14X5 L/R authorized for this platform.

This aircraft may use one or two flight packs for power.

*Ramp & Takeoff weights include 2 lb camera, mount plate and MOVI Gimbal.

3

*SPEED

 MAXIMUM (UA MAY NOT BE FLOWN EXCEEDING A 

GROUND SPEED OF 50 KNOTS)

<87KNOTS

MAXIMUM OPERATION ALTITUDE

 

16,405 Feet

5000 Meters

WEIGHT

 Maximum Weight ....................................................

 Ramp ........................................................................

 Takeoff .....................................................................

 Standard Empty ......................................................

 Maximum Useful Load ...........................................

50 lbs

17.3 lbs

17.3 lbs

7 lbs

31 lbs

MOTORS

 8-Motors, T-MOTOR Navigator Series MN4012-9 480 KV

PROPELLER

 8-Bladed, R/L CF PROP (T-Motor Carbon Prop)

2x 15X5R

2x 15X5L

FLIGHT PACK

 6s, 25C continuous Discharge / 50C Burst, 9Ah

22.2 V

2.8 lbs

8-Motor
LOREM IPSUM

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ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex commodo 

consequat. 

4. Duis aute irure dolor in in voluptate velit esse 

cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur.

HEXACOPTER UAS (Continued)

Notes:

The use of propellers 14X5 L/R authorized for this platform.

This aircraft may use one or two flight packs for power.

*Ramp & Takeoff weights include 2 lb camera, mount plate and MOVI Gimbal.

4

CONFIGURATION

1. FreeFly Systems Octocopter Airframe (Legacy)

2. Mikrokopter Avionics

• Power Distribution

• Flight Control

• GPS

• Navigation

3. Tiger Motor

4. Tiger Propellers

5. Graupner Radio RX/TX

Limitations:

The use of this manual is only applicable in the stated 

configuration.

This manual refers to the aircraft only and does not 

include a gimbal or other payloads.

*SPEED

 MAXIMUM (UA MAY NOT BE FLOWN EXCEEDING A 

GROUND SPEED OF 50 KNOTS)

<87KNOTS

MAXIMUM OPERATION ALTITUDE

 

16,405 Feet

5000 Meters

WEIGHT

 Maximum Weight ....................................................

 Ramp ........................................................................

 Takeoff .....................................................................

 Standard Empty ......................................................

 Maximum Useful Load ...........................................

40 lbs

14 lbs

14 lbs

4.5 lbs

23.5 lbs

MOTORS

 8-Motors, T-MOTOR Navigator Series MN4012-9 480 KV

PROPELLER

 8-Bladed, R/L CF PROP (T-Motor Carbon Prop)

2x 15X5R

2x 15X5L

FLIGHT PACK

 6s, 25C continuous Discharge / 50C Burst, 8Ah

22.2 V

2.8 lbs

INTRODUCTION

PERFORMANCE - SPECIFICATIONS 

HEXACOPTER

6-Motor
CONFIGURATION

1. FreeFly Systems Octocopter Airframe (Legacy)

2. Mikrokopter Avionics

• Power Distribution

• Flight Control

• GPS

• Navigation

3. Tiger Motor

4. Tiger Propellers

5. Graupner Radio RX/TX

Limitations:

The use of this manual is only applicable in the stated 

configuration.

This manual refers to the aircraft only and does not 

include a gimbal or other payloads.

INTRODUCTION

PERFORMANCE - SPECIFICATIONS

QUADCOPTER

QUADCOPTER UAS (Continued)

Notes:

The use of propellers 14X5 L/R authorized for this platform.

*Ramp & Takeoff weights include 2 lb camera, mount plate and MOVI Gimbal.

5

*SPEED

 MAXIMUM (UA MAY NOT BE FLOWN EXCEEDING A 

GROUND SPEED OF 50 KNOTS)

<87KNOTS

MAXIMUM OPERATION ALTITUDE

 

16,405 Feet

5000 Meters

WEIGHT

 Maximum Weight ....................................................

 Ramp ........................................................................

 Takeoff .....................................................................

 Standard Empty ......................................................

 Maximum Useful Load ...........................................

40 lbs

14.3 lbs

14.3 lbs

4 lbs

24 lbs

MOTORS

 4-Motors, T-MOTOR Navigator Series MN4012-9 480 KV

PROPELLER

 4-Bladed, R/L CF PROP (T-Motor Carbon Prop)

2x 15X5R

2x 15X5L

FLIGHT PACK

 6s, 25C continuous Discharge / 50C Burst, 9Ah

22.2 V

2.8 lbs

4-Motor
CONFIGURATION

1. CopelandRED LLC Delta Wing Aircraft

2. CopelandRED LLC

• Power Distribution

• Flight Control

• GPS

• Navigation

3. Tiger Motor

4. Tiger Propellers

5. Graupner Radio RX/TX

Limitations:

The use of this manual is only applicable in the stated 

configuration.

This manual refers to the aircraft only and does not 

include a gimbal or other payloads.

INTRODUCTION

PERFORMANCE - SPECIFICATIONS

QUADCOPTER UAS (Continued)

Notes:

This aircraft is being developed for use by the DOD, Energy companies, law enforcement and professional filmmaking. 

*Ramp & Takeoff weights include 2 lb camera, mount plate and MOVI Gimbal.

6

*SPEED

 MAXIMUM (UA MAY NOT BE FLOWN EXCEEDING A 

GROUND SPEED OF 50 KNOTS)

<87KNOTS

MAXIMUM OPERATION ALTITUDE (USA)

 

17,999 Feet

5400 Meters

WEIGHT

 Maximum Weight ....................................................

 Ramp ........................................................................

 Takeoff .....................................................................

 Standard Empty ......................................................

 Maximum Useful Load ...........................................

50 lbs

20.3 lbs

20.3 lbs

19 lbs

29.7 lbs

MOTORS

 4-Motors electric motors (R&D) R&D KV

PROPELLER

 R&D

R&D

FLIGHT PACK

 6s, 25C continuous Discharge / 50C Burst, 9Ah

22.2 V

2.8 lbs

RED- Delta Wing
CHAPTER 1

GENERAL

VIEW - NORMAL ~ GROUND ~ ATTITUDE

OCTOCOPTER OCTOCOPTER

*Wingspan does not include radius of propeller extended 

beyond the wing (B00m).
SECTION 1

GENERAL

QUADCOPTER MOVI MR5, 10, 15 8

The MOVI MR10/M5/M15 payload may facilitate the 

landing gear.

The use of a gimbal for landing gear is authorized as long as 

it doesn't interfere with flight operations.
SECTION 1

GENERAL

HEXACOPTER GROUND STATION (GS) 9

FPV Monitor

Tripod

Video Downlink Antennas
CHAPTER 2

LIMITATIONS

Flight Log Files (Black Box) is in this section.

Chapter 2 includes operating limitations, aircraft markings, information necessary for the safe operation of the multi-rotor aircraft, its motors, standard systems and standard equipment.

SYMBOL SPEED KNOTS REMARKS

VNE

Never Exceed 

Speed 50 GS Do not exceed this speed in any operation.

VA

Normal 

Maneuvering 

Speed

10-15

Do not make full or 

abrupt control 

movements above this 

speed

VNO

Maximum 

Cruising 

Speed

40

Do not exceed this speed 

except in smooth air, and 

then only with caution.

AGENCY WEIGHT SPEED WINDS

FAA <55 lbs 50 GS ---

CopelandRED LLC

SOP

<55 lbs 45 GS 20 KNOTS

Manufacturer <55 lbs --- ---

Do not exceed the below limitations. 

AIRSPEED LIMITATIONS
CENTER OF GRAVITY LIMITS

Prior to each flight, the aircraft will be checked and adjusted 

to ensure the center of gravity (CG) is directly located below 

the center of the airframe.

MANEUVER LIMITS

This aircraft is identified in the Special Category under 55 

lbs. 

11

To accomplish the CG assessment, the aircraft shall be affixed to the payload. Lift the aircraft slightly off of the ground 

by the booms. If the aircraft rolls forward or backward, the 

payload shall be adjusted until centered. Perform this assessment for the Pitch and Roll axis’s.

*A special flight permit may be issued for an aircraft that 

may not currently meet applicable airworthiness requirements but is capable of safe flight. 14CFR 21.197

Acrobatic maneuvers, including stalls, are not approved.

All flight maneuvers should be conducted in a careful manner not to jeopardize the safety of the aircraft, aircraft payload, the environment and people.

WARNING

The Pilot in Command SHALL ensure that the Micro-SD 

Card is installed correctly into the NAVI-CTRL prior to each 

flight. In the event that something goes wrong, the “Aircraft 

Flight Log” located on the Micro-SD Card files shall be 

available for review by the NTSB, FSDO and Maintenance 

Personnel.

*ONLY 2GB Micro-SD Cards Authorized

FLIGHT LOG FILES
12

EQUIPMENT RANGE

Graupner Radio 2 Miles (3 Kilometers)

GPS Failsafe

250 meters-1000 meters (As designed)

STANDARD FAILSAFE 500 METERS

(1640 FEET)

Video 2000 feet - 2 miles (As designed)

EQUIPMENT OPERATING

RANGE FROM “HOME”

*Do not fly beyond your Visual Line Of Site (VLOS).

*Do not fly beyond your ability to maintain positive control 

of the aircraft.

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
CHAPTER 3

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Follow the Emergency Procedures to operate the 

CINESTAR Octocopter and Quadcopter for 

EMERGENCY operation.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

UNCOMMANDED MANEUVER

AFTER ROTATION

1. REDUCE THROTTLE

2. LAND

IN SUSTAINED FLIGHT

1. Locate the best place to land and land immediately.

2. Reduce throttle, Land

TOTAL POWER LOSS

1. Immediately Communicate danger to production personnel.

2. Carefully approach aircraft and disconnect all power sources. 

3. After disconnecting all aircraft power, turn control radio to off. 

FIRE OR SMOKE

1. Land Immediately

2. Extinguish

3. Report

SUDDEN LOSS IN VOLTAGE

1. Land Immediately

2. Test Battery

LOSS OF RADIO SIGNAL

1. Move toward aircraft.

2. “GPS RETURN HOME”

3. After control regained, flight may continue.

4. If SINGAL LOW persists, land and investigate.

“NAVI” FAILURE

1. Land Immediately and reconnect the NAVI cable to the FC.

2. Recalibrate System

GPS FAILURE

1. Land immediately

2. Recalibrate system.
CHAPTER 4

NORMAL PROCEDURES 

Follow the Normal Procedures to operate the 

CINESTAR Octocopter and Quadcopter for normal 

operation.

THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK.
AIRCRAFT PREFLIGHT

PREFLIGHT INSPECTION

1. FC (Clear of water, condensation, debris)

2. ESC’s (Clear of water, condensation and debris)

3. Power Distribution (Bullet connectors securely connected)

4. GPS (Secure)

5. NAVI (Two information lines securely seated between NAVI & FC)

6. NAVI (2GB SD Card installed)

7. TX/RX Radio (Properly connected from the FC to Telemetry and #8 Channel, antenna)

8. WIRES (Observe all wires for good condition)

9. Airframe (Inspect for cracks. Ensure all connections are secure)

10. Motors (Secure and level, no frayed electrical lines)

11. Propellers (Nut Cap tight with no unsecured movement.

12. Lights (Wires secure, LED strip protected)

13. Landing Gear (If applicable secure)

14. CALIBRATE (Compass)

RADIO PREFLIGHT

PREFLIGHT INSPECTION

1. Battery (Charged)

2. Control Sticks (Free and clear)

3. Switches (Set for takeoff, in working condition)

4. Antenna (Secure)

5. BIND (Bound to desired aircraft)

POWER

FLIGHT PACK

1. CHARGE (Fully Charged)

2. Condition (Ensure cells are not puffy, no damage to external covering, wires are clean and covered)

3. Connected (Secured to aircraft)

BEFORE MOTOR START

1. Preflight Inspection COMPLETE

2. PIC/VO FLIGHT PROFILE BRIEFING COMPLETE

3. SAFE (Area SAFE and all authorized consenting production personnel in place) 

STARTING MOTORS

NORMAL PROCEDURES

1. Ground Radio (ON)

2. Battery (Connect)

3. Observe (Motor movement on all motors)

4. GPS (Active)

5. Calibrate (Left throttle, forward and left)

6. START (Move the left and right control levers down and to the center)

7. Observe (All motors turning in correct direction)

BEFORE TAKEOFF

NORMAL PROCEDURES

1. AREA –CLEAR

2. POWER –Voltage Check

3. Ground Station –On/Connected

4. Telemetry –Active

5. COMM –Verify 

6. Motor Check (Right control stick “Around the horn”. Listen and observe motors speed up. i.e. Push 

forward with right control stick, rear motor should spin faster.)

TAKEOFF

NORMAL PROCEDURES

1. Throttle –Increase purposefully until aircraft has lifted from the ground and is safely off the ground.

2. POWER -Voltage Check

3. Lights –Operational

4. Positive rate of climb

LANDING

NORMAL PROCEDURES

1. Approach Path –CLEAR

2. Landing Site –CLEAR

3. Power Remaining –MINIMUM 22.0 Volts

4. GPS –OFF

5. ALTITUDE HOLD –OFF

6. LAND -Authorized

15
CHAPTER 5

PERFORMANCE

The performance chart to the right represents the Octocopter configuration under normal conditions with a 

full charge of the Flight Pack. (22.5 volts or greater)

ALTITUDE TIME @ 7 

LBS

TIME @ 12 

LBS

TIME @ 18 

LBS

TIME @ 25.8 

LBS

SEA 

LEVEL 20 17 13 10

1000 18 15 11 8

2500 16 13 9 6

5000 14 11 7 4

7500 12 9 5 2

10,000 10 7 3 0

12,500 8 5 1 0

15,000 6 3 0 0

17,500 4 1 0 0

STANDARD FLIGHT TIME

*This chart reflects a standard density altitude of 29.92.
CHAPTER 6

WEIGHT & BALANCE

WARNING

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE PILOT 

TO MAKE SURE THE AIRCRAFT IS 

LOADED PROPERLY. OPERATION OUTSIDE OF THE PRESCRIBED WEIGHT AND 

BALANCE LIMITATIONS COULD RESULT 

IN AN ACCIDENT.

25

50

75

100

EMPTY

25%

50%

75%

AIRCRAFT STABILITY

SAFE CAUTION UNSTABLE

PERCENT LOADED

F

E

E

T

X

100

WARNING

Aircraft stability begins with correctly accomplishing the 

Center of Gravity procedure outlined in LIMITATIONS of this 

Information Manual.

MSL
CHAPTER 7

AIRCRAFT & SYSTEMS 

DESCRIPTION

*Flight Control, Navi-Ctrl and BL-Ctrl software version numbers can be 

found in the aircraft maintenance log. A functional check flight must be 

accomplished after any maintenance action and notated in the maintenance log book.

COMPONENT NOMENCLATURE

Airframe Carbon Fiber 9.5 inches wide

Booms Carbon Fiber 550mm each

Motor Mounts Poly Carbon X 16

Landing Gear Carbon Fiber X 3

Propellers Carbon Fiber X 8

Airframe Mounts Poly Carbon X 16

Screws Stainless Steel X 32

Flight Control Mikrokopter V2.5 ME

Power Distribution Mikrokopter V2.5 ME/DOUBLE QUADRO V3 - COOL V3.5

Navigation Mikrokopter V2.0 Navi-Ctrl

GPS Mikrokopter GPS 2.1 SMD

Motors T-MOTOR Navigator Series MN4012-9 X 8

RX/TX Radio Graupner GR-24/MC-32,MX-20

Flight Pack LiPo Battery, 6s 9Ah+

PAYLOADS NOMENCLATURE

MOVI MR5 FreeFly Systems Gimbal with Landing Gear

MOVI MR10 FreeFly Systems Gimbal with Landing Gear

MOVI MR15 FreeFly Systems Gimbal with Landing Gear

Radian Gimbal Generation 1 Radian Gimbal (2 axis)

*Amounts may vary between models of aircraft.

The above stated payloads represent standard loads.

10/2014
CHAPTER 8

HANDLING, SERVICE & 

MAINTENANCE

*Aircraft maintenance/component/overhaul, replacement, and inspection/

maintenance requirements as outlined shall be observed.

ITEM MAINTENANCE

ACTUATORS Not applicable to this aircraft

SERVOS Not applicable to this aircraft

TRANSMISSION Not applicable to this aircraft

MOTORS

Inspect brushless motors before each flight cycle and 

at the end of each day. Although uncommon, if a 

motor shows wear, remove and replace with 

serviceable unit.

PROPELLERS

Inspect propellers before and after each flight. The 

propeller may be worn as long as it’s with in limits and 

balanced. (No more than 5% reduction in leading edge 

surface area.) If damage is substantial (Beyond 10%) 

remove an replace with serviceable unit. Ensure that 

the replacement propeller matches the correct pitch of 

the removed unit.

ELECTRONIC 

SPEED CONTROL

Inspect the ESC’s and Power Distribution unit prior to 

each flight. Aircraft shall not be flown if any damage is 

present. Remove and replace unit.

FLIGHT PACK 

(BATTERY)

Each flight pack shall be inspected prior to each use. If 

damage, delimitation or wire fraying is present, red 

flag the unit as “NO FLY” and replace with a 

serviceable unit.

MECHANICAL 

DYNAMIC 

CONTROL

Not applicable to this aircraft

GROUND 

CONTROL

Ground Control Station shall be in serviceable 

condition prior to each flight if remote video is 

required.

FLIGHT 

CONTROL

FC shall be be loaded with stable software and a 

functional check flight accomplished after each 

update.

ITEM MAINTENANCE

RADIO All levers, switches, dials and digital menu’s shall 

be in working condition. 

RADIO 

ANTENNA

The Control Radio antenna shall be properly 

affixed to the unit and working.

RADIO 

BATTERY

Prior to each flight, the battery shall be charged 

above 50% of usable power.

*ALL MAINTENANCE SHALL BE PERFORMED BY 

QUALIFIED UAS TYPE PERSONNEL
20

ITEM MAINTENANCE

NAVIGATION

The NAVI-CTRL shall be loaded with stable software 

that corresponds to the FC software. A functional 

check flight shall be accomplished after each update.

GPS

GPS coverage is not required for the operation of this 

aircraft as it may be flown in conditions that do not 

provide coverage. (Underground) If the use of GPS 

coverage is required.

ALTIMETER

The Digital Altimeter is affixed to the FC, the 

altimeter shall be calibrated prior to each flight. The 

aircraft will not calibrate if damage exists or the 

altimeter is blocked. If inop, remove and replace the 

FC. Note the new software version prior to flight in 

the maintenance logbook.

RX/TX

This aircraft uses 2.4GHz with advanced telemetry. 

Do not use any other frequency. If either RX/TX unit 

is broken or damaged, remove and replace unit. Bind 

prior to flight and ensure telemetry is received at the 

ground station prior to flight.

AIRFRAME

Inspect the airframe prior to each flight. Any 

damaged component on the main airframe, booms or 

avionics tray must be removed and replaced prior to 

each flight.

POSITION LIGHTS

Aircraft position lights are located under the 8, 2, 4, 6 

booms. The aircraft may fly if only 3 lights are 

working. The aircraft may not fly if 2 or more are not 

working.

GEAR

Landing gear may be affixed to booms 8, 2 and 5. In 

the event that an independent gimbal is in use, the 

landing gear may be affixed to the gimbal.

ITEM MAINTENANCE

PAYLOAD QD

(Quick Disconnect)

The point between the mainframe of the aircraft and 

the payload may be a quick disconnect. Prior to each 

flight, inspect the female end for loose parts. Attach 

the payload to the aircraft and secure by closing the 

lever. Ensure that no play exists. If movement is 

present in a secured position, remove aircraft and 

tighten payload screw. 

Link:

FRONT PAGE -MAINTENANCE

http://wiki.mikrokopter.de

ASSEMBLY -ALL CONFIGURATIONS

http://wiki.mikrokopter.de/en/assemblyOverview

ATTENTION

With regard to ALL Mikrokopter hardware and software, 

maintenance personnel shall refer to the internet based 

maintenance manual provided by and updated by Mikrokopter.
CHAPTER 9

FREQUENCIES

FCC APPROVED FREQUENCIES

This aircraft uses 2.4GHz to for all flight 

control inputs.

The use of 5.8GHz, 1.3GHz and 

5.1-5.8GHz or other FCC approved frequency’s will be used for video.

THIS MANUAL WAS DESIGNED AND WRITTEN BY 

COPELANDRED LLC. SEATTLE, WA, USA 10/2014

www.copelandred.com