Unmanned aerial systems

The goals and scope of this project are as follows. This project will attempt to assess whether or not the state of the art is currently conducive to this sort of technology, and if it is, how best to implement the technology.

Specific questions that will be explored:

• Can systems be made that can remain airborne a long period of time?
  • Are solar cells currently advanced enough to allow this?
  • Do other technologies exist that could allow this?
  • Can this be done relatively inexpensively?
• Can software be developed to allow:
  • Communication between these devices
  • The devices to remain autonomous and safe
  • Communication between the ground
  • The devices to remain autonomous for long periods
• Can this be done to look attractive and sleek?
  • Can a twin blade design keep a vehicle aloft in an enclosure or in some hidden manner or other configuration?
• Is the technology marketable and useful?

What?

UAS are just what the name implies. They are devices that fly around, know what function they are supposed to perform, and then perform it. Possible uses for this technology include: wireless mesh network clouds, speaker systems, lighting systems, video monitoring systems, cleaning and sanitation, shipping, reconnaissance aerial photography systems. Many other uses could probably be thought up.

This technology is different than other technologies such as "smart dust" because UAS are comparably HUGE. UAS have an estimated size of about 6cm to several meters.

This devices are unique to other autonomous aerial technologies because they are low cost and meant for more general and practical uses.

Other unique properties of UAS include that they run much longer than conventional aerial vehicles. Technologies such as light weight solar cells are integrated into the system so that are able to run independently for long periods.

Anecdotally it seems that many of todays devices achieve commercial success because: they are highly functional and useful, fun, and sexy. UAS if they are viable, should be all these things.

Specifications

Will include:

• An on board computer with:
  • Processor
  • Memory
  • Storage
  • Wifi
  • GPS
• Brushless motor
• Twin rotors
• Batteries
• Requisite wiring
• Accelerometers

Might include:

• Cameras
  • With the ability to produce macro images (w)
• Microphones
• Speakers
• Storage
• Para-shoot
• Lights
• Fuel cells
• Manipulators
• Other tools
• Thin solar cells

Other specifications:

• Lightweight
• Aesthetically pleasing
• Functional
• Useful
• Easy to use

Workspace

• /External links/

News

• December 18, 2006 - Project started.

Wikimedia

Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California - A Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) flies over a simulated combat area during an operational test flight. The MAV is in the operational test phase with military Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams to evaluate its short-range reconnaissance capabilities.

• Wikipedia:Aerobot
• Wikipedia:Unmanned Aircraft System (FAA designation)
• Wikipedia:History of unmanned aerial vehicles
• Wikipedia:Unmanned aerial vehicle
• Wikipedia:Miniature UAVs
• Wikipedia:Micro air vehicle
• Aeroelasticity
• Unmanned ariel vehicle
• International Aerial Robotics Competition
• Coanda Effect
• Wikibooks:Robotics Design Software
• Wikipedia:Coaxial rotors

External links

See /External links/ for the long list

• DIY Drones
• zSim flight simulator