F-14 NeoCat - DJI Neo Drone Bumpers

F-14 NeoCat

 

I’m thrilled to share my latest creation with you—something that combines my love for drones, 3D printing, and iconic aviation. I recently designed and printed an F-14 Tomcat-inspired bumper for my DJI Neo drone. And yes, it has four sidewinder missiles! The supports for the missiles are a little bit of a pain to remove, but nothing too bad. Let me know if you would like me to add a version without the missiles and I'll see about modifying the design.

Why an F-14?

The F-14 Tomcat is one of my favorite aircraft—it’s sleek, powerful, and instantly recognizable. I wanted to channel that same energy into a functional yet stylish bumper for my drone. It's not just about aesthetics (though it does look amazing in the air!); this bumper is designed to add an extra layer of protection during flights while keeping my drone lightweight and agile (The model only weighs 27g!).

The Design Process

Creating this bumper was a blast! Here's how it all came together:

1. Sketching the Concept: I started with a rough sketch inspired by the F-14’s wing shapes, ensuring the design would complement the DJI Neo's structure.
2. 3D Modeling: Using CAD software, I worked on a model that incorporated key elements of the F-14 while maintaining compatibility with the drone’s frame and functionality.
3. Printing: I used PLA filament for strength and flexibility, ensuring it could handle minor bumps and impacts. The final print came out clean, with sharp details highlighting the F-14-inspired contours.

In Action

The bumper fits perfectly on my DJI Neo and looks incredible during flights! The sleek design not only gives it a fighter jet vibe but also provides protection from those occasional rough landings (we’ve all been there, right?).

What’s Next?

I’ve made a B-2 version that I'm testing and tweaking the design of. First flight wasn't stable because of how long the wings were. The version I'm on now (think it's about v8 uggh) looks promising. So keep an eye out for that one!

Let me know your thoughts—do you have a favorite plane you'd like to see transformed into a drone accessory? 🛩️💡

Happy flying!

 

Commercial Licensing: Patreons also have the opportunity to use commercial licenses for their own creative projects, adding versatility and potential income streams.

 

If you like this, please be sure to check out my Patreon where I upload many of my designs exclusively for members. Hope you like them!

 

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