Search Results

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provide the ability to perform a variety of experimental tests of systems and unproven research technologies, including new autopilot systems and obstacle avoidance capabilities, without risking the lives of human pilots. This paper describes the activities of design, optimization, and flight operations of a UAV conceived at Clarkson University (USA) and equipped to perform wind speed measurements to support wind farmsite planning. The UAV design has been assisted and validated by the use of an automatic virtual environment for the assisted design of civil UAVs. This tool can be used as a “computing machine” for civil UAVs. The operator inputs the mission profile and other generic parameters and data about performance, aerodynamics, and weight breakdown are extracted. A mathematical model of the UAV for flight simulation and its dynamic computations, along with automatic drawing is also produced.

This paper details the novel manufacturing processes for an experimental, all-composite, research UAV to be used by Clarkson University. Discussions will include an in depth report on the selection of materials, manufacturing methods, and the implementation and results of the fabrication procedures for the structural components along with the challenges of constructing an aircraft capable of meeting multiple FAA regulatory requirements.

This paper discusses the various factors that were addressed in the planning process for the design and construction of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) destined for use as a multirole research aircraft for Clarkson University. Details related to mission requirements, cost, construction materials, manufacturing methods, and regulatory requirements will be discussed. The resulting airframe, structure, manufacturing, and control system plan of action will be laid out. An overview of anticipated FAA regulations will be presented, and the need to design for conformity to said regulations addressed. Emphasis will be placed on design and manufacturing decisions relating to the extensive use of composite materials throughout the aircraft.