TERRESTRIAL AIRCRAFT FOR

RECONNAISSANCE APPLICATIONS
(PROJECT TARA)

SOLAR POWERED AERIAL

REMOTE TARGETING AIRCRAFT
(PROJECT SPARTA)

Members: James Daniels, Ashley Deal, Robert Floyd, Nsilo Greene,

John Patrick Harris, Jazlyn Jones, Tristan Skinner, Kelsea Yarbrough
Advisor Dr. Geddis
EEN/OEN 498

Presentation Outline

Abstract/problem statement
Background
Constraints
Platform
Implementation Plan
Timeline
Cost Estimate
Applicable Standards
Economic Benefits
Safety Considerations

Abstract/Problem Statement

To design an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) with the capacities

to identify electro-optic (EO) and Infrared (IR) targets and
precise locations on Earth.
To program a control system that allows the UAV to operate in
autonomous and remote/ manual modes.
To incorporate systems such as a Global Positioning System
(GPS), autopilot system, a camera imaging system, inertial
measurement unit (IMU) and a communication link between the
UAV, remote control and a surface laptop.
To incorporate a fail-safe mode system.
To keep the weight of the UAV under 55 lbs.

Firefly 6 Model

Design Constraints
1.UAV dimension:

Maximum weight 55lb

Maximum wingspan 80 inches

Material composite foam

2.Electronics

The UAV must charge completely and hold charge for set time

Solar panels must not restrict flight

Battery and solar cell current must be limited

Platform

The FireFLY6 is a VTOL aircraft. A VTOL aircraft (vertical

take-off and landing), is a type of aircraft (like a plane) that
can take off vertically, then fly horizontally. The advantages
of VTOL planes is that they can take off in small spaces just
like a quadcopter, but also fly longer and faster like a plane./
This platform has a cavity that is big compared to the rite
wing zephyr.
The plane is design to evenly spread its payload and does
not have that military look.
The unit does not require a launcher.

Platform

Implementation Plan
Team T.A.R.A.
Power System
Imaging System

Team S.P.A.R.T.A.
Navigation
System
Solar panel
System

Power System
Electronic Speed Controller
is connected to the motors
of the propellers and
receiver

LiPo battery
supplies power to
the ESC and BEC

Battery Elimination
Circuit lead will be
plugged into the
receiver to provide

Voltage
LiPo battery 14.8V
Capacity
2-3 Ah (2000mAh-3000mAh)
Discharge rate
30 V or more
Mounting
Placed in dead center to
ensure motors are subjected
to the same load

Solar Panel System

Navigation System
The Navigation
system team is
in control of the:
Global
positioning
system (GPS)
Inertial
measurements
unit (IMU)
Radar
Autopilot system

This team is to make

sure that the
different components
are compatible with
one another
If they arent then
modifications must
be made to make
them coexist with
each other
Then a program must
be created to link all
of the components
and communicate
with the rest of the

Navigation Algorithm

Imaging System
For applications constrained by aggressive size, weight
and power, DRS Technologies Tamarisk family of 17 m
uncooled thermal imaging modules offer flexible solutions
to ensure your projects success. With DRS patented
microbolometer superstructure, Tamarisk camera
modules provide greater sensitivity and superior image
quality at an
affordable price. Regardless of lighting conditions,
Tamarisk modules produce crystal clear imagery during
day, night
and challenging environmental conditions such as smoke,
dust, haze and fog.
17 m pixel pitch technology
Resolutions of 320 x 240 or 640 x 480
Analog and digital video outputs
Image Contrast Enhancement (ICE)
Integrated shutter for flat field correction

Imaging Algorithm

Matlab and Simulink

System block diagram

Speed control

Camera

Pixhawk
RCR

Laptop

Signa
l

signal

Telemetry

Xmitter
(RC)

GPS

Motors

Power
module

Battery

Firefly 6 Compartment Space

Gantt Chart Timeline

Cost Estimates

Airframe

Motors

Battery

ESCs

3DR Pixhawk

3DR uBlox GPS with Compass Kit

RC Transmitter, 2.4GHz, 9-CH, FrSky Taranis

3DR Radio Set
3DR Video/OSD System Kit

5.8 Ghz Light weight Video Transmitter Kit

FPV Monitor

Safety Switch for PX4/Pixhawk

Pessimisti
Optimistic
c
$
$
1,000.00
1,500.00
$
$
500.00
1,000.00

$
100.00
$
70.00
$
199.99
$
89.99
$
250.00
$
100.00
$
189.99
$
99.99
$
229.00
$
8.00

$
170.00
$
120.00
$
199.99
$
89.99
$
550.00
$
100.00
$
99.99
$
99.99
$
229.00
$
8.00

General Criteria
Most
Likely

Simple Avg PERT Est.

$
$
$
1,250.00

1,250.00
1,250.00
$
$
$
750.00

750.00
750.00
$

$
$
130.00
133.33
131.67
$

$
$
100.00
96.67
98.33
$

$
$
199.99
199.99
199.99
$

$
$
89.99
89.99
89.99
$

$
$
300.00
366.67
333.33
$

$
$
100.00
100.00
100.00
$

$
$
99.99
129.99
114.99
$

$
$
99.99
99.99
99.99
$

$
$
229.00
229.00
229.00
$

$
$
8.00
8.00
8.00

Economic Benefits

UAVs provide a host of societal benefits that make our citizens

safer, more secure and more productive.
These aircraft help police, fire and other first responders save lives
in the event of natural disasters, locate missing children and help
fight wildfires. They assist the Coast Guard in rescue missions and
help the Border Patrol keep our nation secure. They boost
agricultural production and allow us to better protect the
environment. Moreover, UAS have virtually no limitations, with the
ability carry out such work in hazardous conditions, darkness,
extreme heat and a host of other conditions that may pose
significant risks to manned aircraft.

Safety & Standards

Communication
Establish links between the operator and the UAV
Establish a language link between the systems operating within the UAV
Filter unwanted frequencies
Safety
The UAV must stay in line of sight
The UAV must not exceed 100 miles per hour
The UAV must not exceed a ceiling of 500 ft
The UAV cannot operate in class A airspace
The power source cannot exceed 14.8 vdc

Summary

This project will demonstrate a Systems Engineering approach utilizing our Electrical
and Optical Engineering Backgrounds to develop and achieve an efficient Small
Unmanned Aerial System (SUAS) that is able to complete the following tasks:
Autonomous Flight
Automatic Detection, Localization, and Classification (ADLC)
Actionable Intelligence
Automatic Off-Axis Standard Targeting
Electronically, provide an image of a Target within 75 ft.
Accurately Air Drop Objects with a 5-ft radius
Automatically Download and Upload Simulated Remote Information
Download / Display Information Regarding Position and Targeting Information
Sense, Detect, and Avoid (SDA) Static and Dynamic Objects

Summary
1.

Main Points

2.
3.
4.
5.

Problem Statement:

QUESTIONS