UAV TEAM STATUS REPORT #2

Kenneth JermsteadMichael Midkiff

Ethan PrattIgnacio Santos

John Plank

April 4 2013

Optimized Plane – Wing Design

•Compared performance parameters for 2 models:•Long center panel, high angle tip panels.•Short center panel, long tip panels, small angle.

•Models simulated to have same wing area. Taper options considered too.

•Second option chosen to be more efficient. Constant chord, no taper needed.

Optimized Plane – Main Sections to Manufacture

•Body – Spin foam on lathe

•Wings – Buy online and wire cut

•Motor Mount – Laser Cut

•Wing Mount – Transfer holes cut into wings

•Boom – Cut holes in carbon fiber rods

Optimized Plane – Body Layout

Optimized Plane – Body Concept

Tail Design

•Decided to reduce span of horizontal tail from 19” to 12”

•Allows for longer boom while remaining stable

•Stability found by calculating tail volume coefficient (Ch)

•Stable range: 0.3 < Ch < 0.6

19” Span Tail 12” Span Tail

Stable Boom Length

1” up to 9” 4” up to 23”

Flight Simulation•Used to gain flight experience for a successful first live flight test•Simulation was run using X-Plane and Ardu Mission Planner software•Real-time simulations can be run where UAV moves according to simulated plane motions•Controlled through the Bixler Transmitter and APM autopilot system•Modeled after Fentress Airfield where actual flight will be

Media

Updated Gantt Chart