AI Grand Prix — Airframe Blueprint Drawings

Neros Archer competition drone vs. DIY practice build • Print this page to PDF (Ctrl+P / Cmd+P)

Neros Archer — Competition Drone (Top View)
M1 CCW M2 CW M4 CW M3 CCW FRONT 12MP CAM DCL AI VECTOR Orin NX class compute IMU (6-axis) ~12MP wide-angle rolling shutter (CMOS) Jetson Orin NX class RAM + SSD + WiFi/BT Gyro + accelerometer No GPS available ~200mm wheelbase (8" class) • Props: 5.1" • Speed: 160 km/h • Weight: 960-1400g
DIY Practice Build — Archer Match (Top View)
M1 CCW 2207 1950KV M2 CW 2207 1950KV M4 CW M3 CCW FRONT RPi Cam 3 Wide 12MP • 120° FOV PIXHAWK 6C Mini (PX4) JETSON ORIN NX or Nano 100T / 67T 4S 1550mAh LiPo = EXACT MATCH 12MP, wide-angle, rolling shutter, $35 MAVSDK offboard ctrl 20x20mm, vib pads Companion computer CUDA + TensorRT 220mm wheelbase (5" class) • Props: 5" • Speed: 100-160 km/h • Weight: 950-1100g • Cost: $650-900

Camera specification match

SpecNeros Archer (competition)RPi Camera Module 3 Wide (DIY)Match
Resolution~12MP12MP (4608x2592)✓ exact
FOVWide-angle (TBD)120° diagonal✓
ShutterRolling (A2RL precedent)Rolling (IMX708)✓
InterfaceDCL AI vector moduleMIPI CSI-2 to Jetson✓
HDRUnknownYes (native)bonus
AutofocusUnknownYes (PDAF)bonus
PriceProvided at event$35—
The $35 RPi Camera Module 3 Wide is a 95% spec match to the Archer's camera. The A2RL 2025 champion (MonoRace) proved rolling-shutter cameras work at 100 km/h — algorithm matters more than sensor.

Airframe Options — Detailed Comparison

Four frame choices ranked for AI Grand Prix practice

★ RECOMMENDED — MATCHES NEROS ARCHER
PIX + JETSON CAM 12MP 220mm • 5" props

Option C: 5" FPV Racing Frame — $25-200

210-230mm wheelbase, carbon fiber, 5" props, 2207 motors. Matches Archer flight dynamics.

Payload
5.0
Speed
9.0
Repair
9.0
Racing
9.5
Buy: Holybro QAV250+Pixhawk 6C kit (Amazon) • TBS Source One V5 ($25) • iFlight Nazgul Evoque F5 V2 ($40)
3D: printables.com/model/425161 (Race Drone 5", free STL) • makerworld.com/en/models/411258
Integrated PDB large payload area 480mm • 10" props

Option A: S500 Frame Kit (learning platform) — $25-40

480mm wheelbase, glass fiber + nylon, CF landing gear. Great for learning but too slow/heavy for Archer match.

Payload
9.5
Speed
4.0
Repair
7.0
Racing
4.0
Buy: Amazon "Readytosky S500" ($30) • Holybro S500 V2 frame ($42)
Pre-soldered PCB 450mm • 8-10" props

Option B: F450 Frame Kit (budget) — $12-25

450mm wheelbase, cheapest frame available. Tight fit for Jetson, lower payload, huge tutorial ecosystem.

Payload
6.0
Speed
4.5
Repair
8.0
Racing
5.5
Buy: Amazon "Hawk's Work F450" ($15 frame / $180 full kit w/ Pixhawk)
3D: Cults3D — free Pixhawk 6C mount for F450
3D PRINTED PETG / CF-nylon Custom • 5"-12"

Option D: 3D-Printed Frame (fully custom) — $3-10 filament

Free STL files, crash-reprint cycle, custom Jetson mounts. Weaker than CF, more vibration.

Payload
5.0
Speed
6.0
Repair
10
Racing
6.5
Free STLs: printables.com/model/425161 (Race Drone 5") • makerworld.com/en/models/411258 • printables.com/model/720216
aeroptera.org (Lace 800mm) • github.com/ljbotero/OpenDrone • github.com/NVIDIA-AI-IOT/redtail (Jetson mount)
Verdict: Build Option C (5" FPV racer) to match the Neros Archer's flight dynamics. The Holybro QAV250 kit with Pixhawk 6C is the easiest path. If you're early in development, start with Option A (S500) for safe software testing, then switch to the 5" racer before September.