KWAD III- KSU all Weather Autonomous Drone
Disciplines
Aerospace Engineering | Aviation | Computer Engineering | Electrical and Computer Engineering | Mechanical Engineering
Abstract (300 words maximum)
The KSU all Weather Autonomous Drone III or “KWAD III” is created as part of a research project to design and develop a water-resistant Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). It is the third rendition of the Kennesaw all Weather Drone projects. This research is in collaboration with Ultool, LLC and contracted by the Department of Defense. The capabilities of KWAD III allow it to travel up to a range of 15km with the use of GPS navigation while carrying a payload of 2kg. The UAS’s eight powerful motors and sturdy frame have allowed it to carry the Federal Aviation Administration’s payload limit of over 22kg. It’s intended flight is a straight line beyond the line of sight. In order to increase efficiency and range, KWAD III has a water-resistant aerodynamic housing nicknamed “Aeroshell.” Team members have conducted several Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses to continue to optimize the Aeroshell and reduce drag. The Aeroshell along with KWAD III component mounts utilize 3D printed parts to test and finalize these parts. The customizations made to the frame of KWAD III allow it to fit components in the most optimal manner to minimize weight and drag. The simulation and flight tests of this UAS have proved that it will be capable of its mission and more.
Academic department under which the project should be listed
SPCEET - Mechanical Engineering
Primary Investigator (PI) Name
Dr. Adeel Khalid
Additional Faculty
Aaron Harcrow, Ultool LLC, swede16@bellsouth.net
KWAD III- KSU all Weather Autonomous Drone
The KSU all Weather Autonomous Drone III or “KWAD III” is created as part of a research project to design and develop a water-resistant Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS). It is the third rendition of the Kennesaw all Weather Drone projects. This research is in collaboration with Ultool, LLC and contracted by the Department of Defense. The capabilities of KWAD III allow it to travel up to a range of 15km with the use of GPS navigation while carrying a payload of 2kg. The UAS’s eight powerful motors and sturdy frame have allowed it to carry the Federal Aviation Administration’s payload limit of over 22kg. It’s intended flight is a straight line beyond the line of sight. In order to increase efficiency and range, KWAD III has a water-resistant aerodynamic housing nicknamed “Aeroshell.” Team members have conducted several Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analyses to continue to optimize the Aeroshell and reduce drag. The Aeroshell along with KWAD III component mounts utilize 3D printed parts to test and finalize these parts. The customizations made to the frame of KWAD III allow it to fit components in the most optimal manner to minimize weight and drag. The simulation and flight tests of this UAS have proved that it will be capable of its mission and more.