The FPV drone market has been in need of 5-inch frame options for the DJI O3 Air Unit, and FlyfishRC’s new Volador VX5 and VD5 frames seek to fill that gap. These versatile frames are not only tailored for the O3 Air Unit but are also compatible with other FPV systems. The Volador frames combine aluminum and carbon fiber, boasting features such as competitive pricing, 3D milled carbon, TPU parts, and integrated XT60. In this review, we will delve into the FlyFish Volador frames’ features, assembly and build process, and overall quality, offering insights into whether they are a worthwhile investment for those looking to build their own FPV drones.
If you’re new to FPV drones, be sure to check out our comprehensive drone frame buyer’s guide: https://oscarliang.com/fpv-drone-frames/
Table of Contents
Where To Buy?
Left: VX5; Right: VD5
Both dead cat (VD5) and X (VX5) configurations are available for purchase.
Volador VX5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddkfu2Z
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-gndx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43ZoWN8
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-kl48
Volador VD5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl4NyVf
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-gndx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NpTiD1
- Banggood: https://oscarliang.com/product-kl48
The frame kit comes with a variety of components, including standoffs, screws for the FC/ESC stack, a wrench for the GoPro mount, and two different lengths of battery straps.
Here are some close-up shots of the carbon fibre parts. All parts have chamfered edges (rounded edges).
Specifications
Here’s a summary of the specifications:
- Frame Wheelbase: 225mm
- Material: 7075 Aluminum and T700 Carbon – 3mm top plate, 2.5mm middle plate, 3mm bottom plate
- Interchangeable 6mm thick carbon fiber arms supporting motors with a 16x16mm mounting pattern
- 23.5mm distance between middle and top plates for your electronics
- Supports both 19mm and 20mm wide FPV cameras
- Supports FC stacks with 20×20 and 30.5×30.5mm M3 mounting holes
- 20×20 and 25.5×25.5mm M2 mounting holes on the back of the frame for securing your VTX (compatible with Vista, DJI O3, Walksnail, HDZero)
- Compatible with up to 5.1″ propellers
- 225mm wheelbase for the VX5 version featuring a squashed X pattern
- Reinforced aluminum side plates
- Integrated XT60 battery connector
- Weight: 199g for VX5, 203g for VD5 (including all TPU parts)
Frame Design
The FlyFish Volador frames stand out from the typical full carbon designs, featuring an aluminum camera cage that offers a unique appearance and all-round camera protection. While this frame is considerably heavier than most other 5-inch FPV frames, the weight can be attributed to the generous use of TPU accessories, thick carbon plates, and 6mm arms. Let’s dive deeper into the specific features of these frames.
Deadcat Configuration
FlyFish offers both X (VX5) and Deadcat (VD5) frame configurations for their Volador series.
The VD5 is a deadcat frame, characterized by shorter front arms that are spread wider apart than the longer rear arms. This design allows for a wider field of view without the propellers appearing in the camera footage, making it ideal for cinematic flying. Alternatively, the X design is more popular for freestyle flying due to the symmetric motor layout.
Included 3D Prints
The Volador frame comes with all the necessary 3D printed TPU parts. The quality of these parts is top-notch. The 3D prints kit includes a front bumper, arm protectors, GPS mount, and VTX antenna holder. Action camera mounts for GoPro can be purchased separately.
The Volador frame features a GPS mount at the back, which can be adjusted for the optimal angle. This design is impressive, but it seems that the GPS mount is tailored specifically for their own GPS (which we reviewed here). If you prefer using your own GPS, you may need to get your own compatible mount.
You can choose between two different colors: Black and Tropical Mix (with a $5 additional cost).
Integrated XT60
One unique feature of the Volador frame is its integrated XT60 battery connector. This design eliminates the dangling battery lead and potential damages by spinning propellers. Additionally, it provides a more polished and professional appearance.
Camera Compatibility
The CNC Aluminum front cage has been designed to accommodate various FPV cameras, including the DJI O3 and OG camera. Rubber spacers are provided for both 19mm and 20mm width cameras, ensuring compatibility with the majority of FPV cameras available in the market. With the VD5 configuration, the props are not visible in the ultra-wide recorded video of the O3 Air Unit, provided the correct mounting holes are used.
Complex Assembly
Assembling the Flyfish Volador frame can be somewhat complex and time-consuming due to the various types of screws and components involved. The assembly requires M3, M2.5, and M2 screws in different lengths, along with standoffs in two different heights.
For first-time builders or even experienced FPV pilots, the Volador assembly can be challenging. However, with patience and pre-planning, you can achieve a clean and efficient build. This complexity might be a drawback for some, especially those new to building FPV drones.
Weight
The Volador frames utilize thick carbon fiber plates to increase durability, but this comes at the cost of additional weight. The assembled frame weighs around 200 grams, making it almost 70g heavier than the Source One V5. In a VD5 build with Vista, the weight reaches 650g when paired with a 6S 1100mAh LiPo battery (excluding a GoPro).
Assembly
The assembly process for the Volador VX5 is not straightforward, but I was impressed by its design and the quality of the components after completing the assembly.
It has a two-screw removable system for easy arm replacement without disassembling the entire FC stack.
Build Pictures
Volador VD5
I built the VD5 with these components:
- FPV Setup: Vista and Nebula Pro
- VTX Antenna: Flyfish Osprey LHCP
- FC: T-Motor Velox Cine F7
- ESC: Hobbywing XRotor G2 65A 4in1 ESC
- Motors: HGLRC SPECTER 2306.5 19000KV
- GPS: BN180
- RX: IRC Ghost (flashed with ExpressLRS firmware)
Flighit Vid:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACehATqnyUU
Volador VX5
I built the VX5 with these components:
- FPV Setup: Vista and Runcam Phoenix HD
- VTX Antenna: Flyfish Osprey LHCP
- FC: T-Motor F7 HD
- ESC: Hobbywing XRotor G2 65A 4in1 ESC
- Motors: Flash 2207 1850KV
- GPS: Flyfish M8QMC (M10 chip)
- RX: IRC Ghost (flashed with ExpressLRS firmware)
Flight vid:
You can also hide the receiver between the bottom and middle plate.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the FlyFish Volador VX5 and VD5 frames are high-quality, well-designed options with a strong focus on detail. The arms lock securely in place, reducing vibrations, and the integrated XT60 battery connector adds to the professional looking design. With spare parts readily available on the FlyFish website and Aliexpress, finding replacement is easy.
The Volador VD5 is an excellent choice for those looking to build an FPV drone with an O3 air unit, despite some drawbacks like a complex assembly process and the absence of a camera dampening system. Also, the Volador frames may not be the best choice for those who prioritize performance due to their heavier weight. However, for people who appreciate a clean build and don’t mind the extra weight, these frames are worth considering. The inclusion of all necessary TPU parts is a welcome bonus for those without a 3D printer. If you want a cheaper frame that is also lighter, check out the TBS Source One V5 which I reviewed here: https://oscarliang.com/source-one-v5/
If you want to purchase the Volardo frames, get them here:
Volador VX5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddkfu2Z
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-gndx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/43ZoWN8
Volador VD5
- AliExpress: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Dl4NyVf
- RDQ: https://oscarliang.com/product-gndx
- Amazon: https://amzn.to/3NpTiD1
9 comments
You say: “20×20 and 25.5×25.5mm M2 mounting holes on the back of the frame for securing your VTX (compatible with Vista, DJI O3, Walksnail, HDZero)”
Okay, what about HDZero then? HDZero Freestyle (which most are using) is 30.5×30.5. How do you suggest I make that fit the smaller mounting pattern? You don’t say which one, just a blanket “will fit HDZero…”.
maybe double sided foam tape and zip tie? I actually do this with my vistas and that works well even without screws.
Can you share presets for VD5?
Hi!
I would like to know if you can convert a VD5 ll to a VX5 ll if you just change arms and top plate?
Thanks!
Sorry, was trying to comment to the top, but was somehow tagged onto yours….
Anyway, yes you can. Just swap the arms. Everything else is exactly the same. Bottom, mid, top plates — all the same exact size.
What about a new version Volador II ? Would you suggest to buy new one or old?
This is the new version.
If so, ” 3mm middle plate, 3mm bottom plate” – not correct.
Sorry it was a typo, top plate 3mm, middle plate 2.5mm. I have these two numbers mixed.