Project Objective:

The team's main goal was to achieve the design and construction of a modular, micro-class (UAV) aircraft that met a packaging constraint and was capable of being quickly assembled in the field by a minimum number of people.

Background Information:

Micro Air Vehicles (MAVs) are a relatively recent development in the aviation industry.  They are remotely controlled aircraft, generally used by the military, but also adapted for use by scientific and commercial industries.  They have proven useful for search and rescue, reconnaissance and surveillance.  There are currently 3 main types of MAVs used: fixed wing models, flapping wing models and rotating wing models.

The first remote controlled plane was built by Dr. William E. Good and his twin brother in May 1937.  Since then, considerable change has occurred.  In the 1950s, the government began to experiment of using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).  Then, in the 1990s, the military realized the practicality of using MAVs and UAVs for real life missions.  Today, the military has a target size of 6 inches for all MAVs.

Project Requirements:

The team's plane was designed according to requirements set forth for the SAE 2008 Aero Design Competition.  These requirements focused on designing and constructing an aircraft capable of carrying the highest payload fraction while pursuing the lowest empty weight possible.  Here is a brief overview of the requirements the team followed:

• Weight restriction of 10 pounds or less
• No lighter-than-air or rotary wing aircraft designs allowed
• Payload cannot contribute to the structural integrity of the aircraft
• Payload must be fully enclosed
• Takeoff must occur within 3 minutes and 100 feet
• Landing must occur within 200 feet and be in the same direction as take-off
• Aircraft must be capable of successfully completing a 360º circuit of the airfield
• Aircraft must fit into a 36 inch x 60 inch x 8 inch carrying case
• Ease of assembly must be demonstrated by 2 people within 3 minutes

For a full listing of requirements, please visit http://students.sae.org/competitions/aerodesign/rules/rules.pdf

Military Impact:

MAVs have found their importance within the military.  MAVs are capable of being used for surveillance and search and rescue missions.  Since MAVs are both small and unmanned, they are capable of entering areas and locations deemed to be unsafe for entry by humans.  They re capable of locating victims quickly and easily.  Therefore, MAVs have the ability to prevent injury and loss of life.