Development Of A Proof-Of-Concept Backpackable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Author

Calvin Russell Walker

Issuing Body

Mississippi State University

Advisor

Vizzini, Anthony J.

Committee Member

Edwards, Thomas E.

Date of Degree

8-5-2006

Document Type

Graduate Thesis - Open Access

Major

Aerospace Engineering

Degree Name

Master of Science

College

James Worth Bagley College of Engineering

Department

Department of Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

This thesis documents the design and development of a robust backpackable proof-of-concept unmanned aerial vehicle. The unmanned aerial vehicle?s design departs from existing configurations in utilizing a keel beam fuselage which replaces the enclosed fuselage by a flat keel beam on which the sensors, the autopilot, their related power sources, and flight control systems are mounted. The keel beam fuselage is provides enhanced mounting capability for multiple sensors and quick reconfiguration in the field. The keel beam fuselage can also be manufactured quicker than a traditional enclosed fuselage. The objective of this study is to demonstrate that the keel beam configuration is a viable design for an unmanned aerial vehicle and the challenges of modular, plug-n-play hardware. The design, fabrication, and flight testing of the air vehicle are addressed.

URI

https://hdl.handle.net/11668/17336

Recommended Citation

Walker, Calvin Russell, "Development Of A Proof-Of-Concept Backpackable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle" (2006). Theses and Dissertations. 1427.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/1427