Build Blog: Vorian — A Modular Tilt-Rotor Platform

A while back, I posted an early prototype on reddit (https://www.reddit.com/r/fpv/comments/1g2cwrl/tilt_rotor_quad_build/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button) of a custom tilt-rotor quad. Since then, the airframe has gone through several major iterations and is now in its production prototype stage. This version addresses mechanical reliability, ease of assembly, and better performance under load.

Previous version flight video: https://www.reddit.com/r/fpv/comments/1g47q5d/tilt_rotor_quad_flight_test/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button

Project Overview
For years, I’ve been experimenting with thrust vectoring in multirotors. Off-the-shelf quads typically don’t support the kind of payload capacity or modular design needed for testing new control schemes, radios, or sensors — so I started building my own. Vorian is designed as a general-purpose modular test platform for tilt-rotor development.

Frame & Configuration

• H-frame layout with dual independently tilting front arms
• Pitch control via tilting motors, yaw and roll via differential thrust
• Full 3K carbon fiber structure, 2mm side plates, with 45mm internal spacing for electronics
• Titanium countersunk hardware with aluminum standoffs forming a semi-roll cage to protect internals
• Electronics mounted on a 2mm internal tray with 4 x 30.5x30.5mm patterns for FC, ESCs, or sensor boards

Tilt Mechanism (New for Production Prototype)

• Entire mechanism redesigned to:
  • Reduce vibration under load
  • Improve bearing alignment
  • Simplify assembly and servicing
• Custom aluminum motor mounts, now anodized for durability
• Tilt collar and servo gear are Multi Jet Fusion (MJF) printed for tighter tolerances
• Motors rotate on dual flanged bearings with reinforced 3D-printed collars
• REEFS 207 sub-micro servos used for actuation
• Servos mounted using M2 standoffs, cross-braced for rigidity

3D Printed Components
All printed components now SLS (Nylon 12) or MJF, no FDM
Front and rear covers redesigned for:

• Lighter weight
• Modular top electronics cover with antenna and payload options
• DJI O3 camera and antenna mounts integrated into front
• Custom GPS tower mount with wire protection, screw-in base
• Covers can be color-customized (e.g., red GPS tower)
• Covers re designed to reduced parts for mounting top cover

Electronics & Flight Stack

• Matek H743-Wing flight controller
• Matek M10Q-5883 GNSS module w/ integrated compass
• AxisFlying Argus PRO ESCs (55A/65A) ×4
• AxisFlying AF2207 1750KV motors
• ArduPilot firmware with quad-tilt configuration
• Crossfire Nano RX for control link
• 6x3x3 HQProps for initial flight tuning

Upcoming Tests and Development
Hover and tuning flights to finalize notch filters and PIDs
Maiden flight test
Smoke system test (for visibility testing and demo purposes)
Platform-specific ArduPilot config changes (e.g., tilt mixing, reverse thrust, migration to arducopter, bug fixes)

Let me know if anyone is running similar tilt systems — I’d love to compare notes or hear what you've learned tuning these kinds of platforms. Test updates and logs will be posted here.