Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Karly Thrower, Senior Barton Rice, Senior J Kyle Barger, Senior Mark Raia, Senior James Jay, Senior Thomas Daire, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Karly Thrower
Lead Presenter's College
WW College of Aeronautics
Faculty Mentor Name
Robert Deters
Abstract
This proposal presents the design of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) created by Brayton's Rejects' engineering students to enhance supply delivery in wildfire zones. The mission is to deliver critical supplies to frontline firefighting crews, such as food, water, and fuel, within six hours. The selected quadcopter design features four T-Motor U15II electric motors paired with Austar T6318 propellers to produce the necessary thrust for vertical takeoff and level flight, offering a balance of agility, payload capacity, and ease of maintenance. The UAS's hybrid power system incorporates lithium-sulfur batteries and superconducting technologies to optimize energy efficiency and extend operational durability. Advanced avionics ensure precise navigation and strong communication, while a thoughtfully designed cargo management system streamlines the delivery process. Furthermore, the ground support equipment is made to be portable and adaptable to rough terrain, facilitating deployment in remote areas. This innovative UAS design aims to significantly improve disaster response operations in regions affected by wildfires by ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of essential supplies. The main focus of future research will be prototype development and practical testing to verify design performance.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Brayton's Rejects' Uncrewed Aircraft Wildfire Transport
This proposal presents the design of an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) created by Brayton's Rejects' engineering students to enhance supply delivery in wildfire zones. The mission is to deliver critical supplies to frontline firefighting crews, such as food, water, and fuel, within six hours. The selected quadcopter design features four T-Motor U15II electric motors paired with Austar T6318 propellers to produce the necessary thrust for vertical takeoff and level flight, offering a balance of agility, payload capacity, and ease of maintenance. The UAS's hybrid power system incorporates lithium-sulfur batteries and superconducting technologies to optimize energy efficiency and extend operational durability. Advanced avionics ensure precise navigation and strong communication, while a thoughtfully designed cargo management system streamlines the delivery process. Furthermore, the ground support equipment is made to be portable and adaptable to rough terrain, facilitating deployment in remote areas. This innovative UAS design aims to significantly improve disaster response operations in regions affected by wildfires by ensuring the timely and reliable delivery of essential supplies. The main focus of future research will be prototype development and practical testing to verify design performance.