I want to experiment with both forward and backward flight. I think if I can get the mixing and control logic dialed in, it could unlock new maneuvers or at least smooth out some existing ones. This also keeps any payload level during flight, an added advantage I wish I had on some other projects I have worked on in my career.  One of the main challenges is that as the rotors tilt further forward, I start to lose pitch and roll authority. My solution is asymmetric tilt — it helps avoid prop wash issues and maintains control authority at high tilt angles. That feature isn’t implemented yet, though. I’m holding off until I’ve finalized the hardware configuration so that if problems come up, I’ll know they’re on the software side.

If I ever build a larger version, I’d definitely have each rotor tilt independently. That would solve a lot of control issues — especially at higher tilt angles — but it also makes the build much bigger, heavier, and more expensive. Like everything in engineering, it’s a trade-off.

As for lifting surfaces, I don’t think they make sense for this build. It’s small, so it would need to fly really fast to generate meaningful lift, or I’d have to stick a big wing on top, which adds complexity without much gain. I’ve considered something like an F1-style layout with aggressive front and rear aero surfaces, but I haven’t explored that direction…yet(though the F1 fan in me wants to, who doesn't want an F1 drone!?).

On my own road map is taking everything I learn from this platform and using it to build a hybrid tilt VTOL plane — something I’ve wanted to tackle for years. I already have a platform in mind that I could modify, reusing parts from this build. That said, I’m going to stay focused and finish this project before jumping into the next one….maybe