From Curiosity to Sky-High Adventures
Getting into the world of FPV (First Person View) drones has been one of the most rewarding hobbies I’ve picked up in recent years. There’s something magical about seeing the world from a bird’s eye view through your goggles, feeling like you’re actually flying through the sky. Today I want to share my journey and specifically talk about my latest project: building a fixed-wing FPV drone using the popular Mojito design.
What Rekindled My Interest
I’ll be honest – what really got me back into FPV after years away from the hobby was watching how rapidly drone technology has evolved, particularly seeing footage from modern conflicts. Watching videos from the frontlines has shown how dramatically drones are changing warfare forever, for better or worse. The technological capabilities on display – the range, endurance, and precision of modern FPV systems – made me realize just how far the civilian hobby side had advanced as well.
While the military applications are sobering to consider, it sparked a renewed fascination with the underlying technology and what’s possible with these platforms in peaceful applications. The same innovations that enable long-range reconnaissance can be used for search and rescue, wildlife monitoring, or simply exploring remote landscapes from a completely new perspective.
Why Fixed Wing Over Quadcopters?
While most people start with quadcopters, I was drawn to fixed-wing aircraft for several reasons. Fixed-wing drones offer longer flight times, higher speeds, and a more airplane-like flying experience that appeals to my inner aviation enthusiast. The TBS Mojito from Team BlackSheep is particularly compelling in the FPV community because it delivers unmatched efficiency and flight endurance with its forward-swept wing design that strikes an excellent balance between performance, durability, and ease of construction.
The Mojito Build Journey
Frame and Construction:
I decided to go with the TBS Mojito DIY version – and what an adventure that turned out to be! While TBS offers a kit version that comes 90% pre-assembled, I wanted the full customization experience that only the DIY version provides. This meant receiving the fuselage and wings as separate halves with all plastic parts provided individually, giving me complete freedom to customize the internals and really understand every aspect of the aircraft.
The TBS Mojito features an advanced forward-swept wing design with a 50-inch wingspan, constructed from ultra-dense EPP foam with carbon fiber reinforcements and injection-molded plastic leading and trailing edges. The airfoil is derived from dynamic soaring gliders, allowing it to slice through the air with minimal drag.
The DIY build process was significantly more involved than the kit version – essentially an expert-level build that required careful planning and lots of soldering. I spent several weekends meticulously assembling the fuselage halves, installing the wing attachment mechanisms, and integrating all the plastic reinforcement components. The modular design still allows the finished wing to dismantle into three pieces using push-to-release buttons, but getting there required patience and attention to detail.
The best part was the electronics integration – with everything starting from scratch, I had complete control over wire routing, component placement, and could optimize the internal layout for my specific setup. Lots of soldering involved, but that’s half the fun! The pre-cut slots for cameras, servos, batteries, and receivers made the process manageable, but the DIY version really lets you understand how every system works together.
Electronics and FPV Setup:
For the heart of my Mojito, I chose components that complement its high-performance capabilities:
Flight Controller: I went with a modern flight controller running INAV firmware, which excels at fixed-wing autonomous features like return-to-home and waypoint navigation.
Video System: The Mojito is designed for both analog and digital FPV systems. I opted for a DJI O4 Air Unit, taking advantage of TBS’s 3D print files for custom camera mounts. The internal equipment bays keep everything clean and aerodynamic while the range and clarity have been exceptional.
Power System: The aircraft requires a 6S to 8S LiPo battery (maximum dimensions 70 x 50 x 230mm). I’m running a 6S 5000mAh pack that provides flight times of 45-60 minutes depending on flying style and conditions – far exceeding what any quadcopter can achieve.
Control System: I paired it with a TBS Crossfire Nano RX for long-range control, perfectly matching the aircraft’s 60+ mile range capabilities.
Since I went with the DIY version, I had to solder all the connections myself – from the servo leads to the power distribution, FPV system integration, and all the sensor connections. It was a great learning experience and gave me complete confidence in the reliability of every joint and connection.
Control and Safety Features:
One aspect I can’t stress enough is the importance of proper failsafes. My Mojito is configured with multiple safety features including GPS return-to-home, low battery warnings, and signal loss protocols. These features have saved my aircraft more than once when I’ve pushed the range a bit too far.
Lessons Learned and Tips for Newcomers
Start with a Simulator: Before touching the real aircraft, I spent dozens of hours in flight simulators. This investment in “chair time” paid dividends when I finally took to the skies.
Join the Community: The FPV community is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. Online forums, local clubs, and YouTube channels have been invaluable resources throughout my journey.
Consider Your Build Level: While I loved the DIY experience, TBS warns that it’s an expert-level build. If you’re new to RC aircraft construction, the kit version might be a better starting point – you can always go DIY on your next build!
Expect to Crash: It’s not a matter of if, but when. The Mojito’s forgiving design means most crashes result in minimal damage, but always carry repair supplies and spare parts.
Respect Regulations: Always fly within FAA guidelines, maintain visual line of sight when required, and be considerate of others when choosing flying locations.
The Flight Experience
There’s nothing quite like launching the TBS Mojito and feeling its incredible efficiency come to life. The forward-swept wing design allows it to cruise effortlessly at 60-75mph (90-120km/h) with minimal power consumption, while still being capable of hitting speeds over 125mph (200km/h) when you want that adrenaline rush. The aircraft tracks through the sky like a dart, and the dynamic soaring glider-derived airfoil makes thermal hunting an absolute joy.
The internal control linkages and streamlined design create an incredibly smooth flight characteristic. Whether I’m doing gentle long-range cruising missions that can extend 60+ miles from home base, or pushing the performance envelope with high-speed passes, the Mojito handles it all with precision and grace. The optional airbrake servos (which I highly recommend) make landings precise and controlled, even after extended high-speed flights.
My favorite flights happen during golden hour when the lighting is perfect and the air is calm. There’s a meditative quality to long, slow flights over familiar terrain, seeing the world from perspectives that would otherwise be impossible.
Looking Forward
At $189.95 for the kit (the DIY version is slightly less), the TBS Mojito represents incredible value in the FPV wing market. The DIY build experience has been such a rewarding journey that I’m already planning my next project – perhaps exploring the PNP (Plug-and-Play) version to compare the experience, or maybe diving into another DIY build with even more advanced sensor integration. The modular nature of the design and availability of 3D print files for custom accessories makes it easy to experiment and evolve your setup over time.
Final Thoughts
Getting into FPV drones, particularly fixed-wing aircraft like the Mojito, has opened up an entirely new dimension of exploration and creativity. The DIY build process added an extra layer of satisfaction – there’s something special about flying an aircraft you’ve assembled and soldered from the ground up. It combines elements of engineering, piloting, and artistry in a way that few hobbies can match. If you’ve been curious about FPV flying, I can’t recommend it highly enough – just remember to start small, learn continuously, and always prioritize safety.
The sky isn’t the limit anymore; it’s just the beginning of the adventure.