Small Unmanned Aerial System for Aerial Mapping and Infrared Detection

The Team AIR X2V6 UAV, designed and built by Team AIR from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ is designed to the specifications of the Small Unmanned Aerial System Competition hosted by AUVSI. The main part of the competition is the autonomous portion. This involves autonomous takeoff and landing as well as autonomously mapping a specified area and locating targets within this area. Secondary tasks include, locating an infrared target, dropping a small payload on a bulls-eye, and connecting to a Wi-Fi router. Judging is based 50 percent on accomplishing the mission task, 25 percent on a submitted journal paper, and 25 percent on an oral presentation given at the competition. The planned system characteristics include, 900 MHz for telemetry, 2.4 GHz for safety pilot controls, and 5.8 GHz for imagery transfer. The X2V6 UAV is powered by lithium-polymer batteries for an estimated flight time of 40 minutes. The aircraft has a wingspan of 116-inches and a maximum takeoff weight of 11 pounds. The X2V6 UAV will be operated in simulated competition conditions, and is designed to meet all performance requirements. Eagle Prize Awar