Academy / Advanced Drone Pilot Maneuvers

Rubik's Cube Maneuver: The Ultimate Freestyle Drone Trick

Advanced Techniques for the Rubiks Cube

Once you’ve mastered the basic Rubik’s Cube, you can start experimenting with variations to make the maneuver more dynamic and personalized.

3.1 Tight Rubik’s Cube

A tight Rubik’s Cube involves performing the sequence in a smaller, more confined space, making the movements faster and sharper. This requires quicker inputs and faster recovery times to keep the drone under control.

How to Perform a Tight Rubik’s Cube:

  • Quick Stick Movements: Use rapid, deliberate stick inputs to tighten the rolls and flips, ensuring each movement is performed quickly and cleanly.
  • Throttle Management: Keep the throttle steady to avoid gaining or losing altitude during the quick transitions between flips and rolls.

Example:

A tight Rubik’s Cube is ideal for performing in tighter environments like between trees, poles, or indoor spaces, where speed and precision are crucial.


3.2 Rubik’s Cube with Yaw

Adding yaw to the Rubik’s Cube creates a twisting effect, adding an extra layer of complexity to the maneuver. By rotating the drone around its yaw axis during one of the rolls or flips, you can create a more dynamic and visually striking movement.

How to Add Yaw to the Rubik’s Cube:

  • Apply Yaw During the Roll or Flip: As you perform the first or second roll, move the left stick (yaw control) to the left or right to initiate a slow rotation around the drone’s vertical axis.
  • Control the Spin: Make sure not to over-rotate with the yaw input. The goal is to complement the flips and rolls, not disrupt them.

Example:

A Rubik’s Cube with yaw can create a corkscrew-like effect, adding more fluidity and style to the maneuver. This is particularly impressive in freestyle routines where smooth, flowing motion is key.


3.3 Slow Motion Rubik’s Cube

For a more cinematic effect, try performing a slow-motion Rubik’s Cube, where the flips and rolls are executed more slowly, emphasizing the drone’s movements and giving the trick a more deliberate, controlled appearance.

How to Perform a Slow Motion Rubik’s Cube:

  • Slow Down the Stick Inputs: Instead of performing rapid flips and rolls, use slower, more controlled stick movements to extend the duration of each part of the Rubik’s Cube.
  • Maintain Throttle Stability: Keep the throttle steady to maintain altitude during the slower movements. You don’t want to lose momentum or altitude during the trick.

Example:

A slow-motion Rubik’s Cube works well for capturing cinematic shots where you want to showcase the smooth, flowing capabilities of the drone.