High-Velocity UAV
Design and Development
6.2020
This project focused on the end-to-end design and realization of a small-scale, high-velocity unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using cost-effective and additive manufacturing techniques. The goal was to demonstrate that high-performance aerospace prototypes can be achieved with minimal resources through engineering optimization and rapid prototyping.
I led the full development cycle, including:
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Conceptual and Detailed Design: Created and iteratively refined 3D models in Fusion 360, balancing aerodynamic efficiency, weight reduction, and manufacturability using 3D-printed structures.
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Control Systems Engineering: Developed and integrated a flight control architecture using Arduino and Ardupilot, coordinating sensors, actuators, and embedded electronics to ensure stability at high velocity.
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Computational Simulation: Conducted CFD studies in Autodesk CFD to evaluate lift, drag, and flow behavior under different operating conditions, informing design iterations.
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Prototyping and Integration: Fabricated the UAV using additive manufacturing techniques and assembled electronic subsystems into a functional prototype.​
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Although flight testing was suspended due to COVID-19 restrictions, the project successfully produced a validated prototype. Simulation results confirmed the feasibility of a low-cost, high-speed UAV platform, highlighting the potential of combining computational analysis, control engineering, and rapid prototyping in aerospace design.