Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
About
The UAV team's objective is to design, build, and fly an autonomous multi-role blended wing body aircraft capable of payload drop, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) performance, target detection, and communication between other vehicles and ground control unit. The process follows the typical aerospace industry standard of design, review, testing, and manufacturing to simulate the work environment helping members to prepare for their jobs after graduating.
Structure Sub-Team:
We design and analyze the internal structure of the aircraft to ensure it can withstand mission loads with safe margins. Our team collaborates closely with other mechanical sub-teams to align structural layout with aircraft configuration and center of gravity needs. We optimize subsystem integration and deliver key components such as the landing gear, wing, fuselage, empennage, and motor mount designs.
We looking for:
- Freshman to Master
- Skills: Mechanics of Materials, Strength of Materials, SolidWorks, MATLAB, Femap
Manufacturing Sub-Team:
We fabricate and assemble the aircraft based on finalized designs. Our team creates prototypes, supports technical demonstrations, and ensures all components are manufactured safely and accurately. We work closely with the other mechanical sub-teams to provide feedback on manufacturability and deliver high-quality structural parts and a fully assembled vehicle.
We looking for:
- RC airplane building, SolidWorks, familiar with general tools & machines, CNC foam cutter
Payload Sub-Team:
We design and integrate the payload delivery mechanism to ensure safe and reliable deployment during flight. Our team works within the size and layout constraints defined by the Aero/S&C and Structures teams, coordinating closely with all subsystems to ensure smooth operation without interference. Our primary deliverable is a functional, mission-ready payload delivery system.
We looking for:
- SolidWorks, MATLAB, payload mechanism design
The Software team is responsible for controlling the vehicle by integrating all sensors, motors, and actuators to communicate efficiently. This year, we are using NVIDIA’s Jetson Orin Nano as our main controller instead of a Raspberry Pi. The team also focuses on autonomous movement, with plans to implement full autonomous navigation for the vehicle.
Propulsion Sub-Team:
We deliver the thrust and power needed to meet the aircraft’s performance and mission requirements. Our team collaborates with Aero/S&C and Structures to ensure seamless integration of the propulsion system, including a shared motor mount design. We also coordinate with the Electrical team in the avionics compartment. Our key deliverable is a properly sized and integrated propulsion system.
We looking for:
- Propulsion system sizing, Soldering/wiring, SolidWorks, familiar with RC airplane electronics
Electrical Sub-Team:
We design the electrical layout and wiring systems that power and connect all aircraft components. Our team ensures seamless integration across propulsion, controls, payload, and other subsystems, working closely with the Software team to verify functionality. We deliver detailed wiring diagrams and the avionics tray layout to support safe and efficient system operation.
We looking for:
- Avionics, RF, PCB design, Soldering/wiring, familiar with RC airplane electronics
Software Sub-Team:
We develop and implement the software that enables aircraft control, autonomy, and data handling. Our team collaborates with the Electrical team to ensure reliable avionics performance and works with Aero/S&C to tune the control system for stable autonomous flight. We also manage data communication with the ground control station. Our key deliverables include control system code, autonomous flight algorithms, and data acquisition and processing software.
We looking for:
- C++, Python, familiarity with ROS2 or Ardupilot/PX4, familiar with RC airplane software.