Our team meticulously designed a 20-22 kg quadcopter after evaluating multiple configurations, including octacopters and hexacopters. The quadcopter design was selected for its optimal balance of simplicity, weight efficiency, and performance. With a top flight speed of 10 m/s, the drone could cover distances of 10-12 miles in just 20-25 minutes while maintaining stability and carrying the required payload.
The drone featured a robust payload delivery system paired with an advanced object detection and navigation camera. The camera played a critical role in pinpointing precise drop locations, ensuring highly accurate payload delivery. To enhance operational versatility, we implemented a custom-designed winch system, allowing secure and efficient payload deployment under various mission scenarios.
To achieve the perfect balance between weight and durability, we conducted extensive simulations using advanced topology optimization techniques. This helped us reduce overall weight without compromising structural integrity, enhancing the drone's resilience and performance during demanding operations.
A major focus was placed on landing stability and shock absorption. We tested and refined various landing gear configurations to improve overall landing performance. Additionally, our team designed a custom Power Distribution Board (PDB) in-house, subjecting it to rigorous test bench evaluations. This ensured its reliability under high-performance conditions, further boosting the drone’s operational robustness.
The final drone could fly at a consistent speed of 10 m/s at an altitude of 250 feet. It excelled in target detection and precision payload delivery, meeting all the project’s objectives. Its sturdy build, combined with the winch system and camera integration, made it a highly versatile platform suitable for a range of mission scenarios.
Our drone was successfully deployed at the SUAS 2023 competition, where it secured an impressive 5th rank internationally out of 72 teams. We competed against leading institutions such as:
Our performance highlighted the team’s engineering excellence, showcasing innovation, precision, and reliability on an international stage.
Arrow’s participation in SUAS 2023 demonstrated our team's commitment to pushing technological boundaries and delivering high-performance UAV solutions.