Analysis and conceptual design of micro class UAV for aerodesign international competition

Aero Design is an annual student competition held by Society of Automotive Engineers in which the goal is to design and build a flying UAV capable of lifting the highest payload while observing lowest payload weight and fitting in a specified carrying case. To achieve that task teams have to choose between conflicting objectives that are lowest empty weight and highest lifting capacity. The rules state that design to enter the competition must be a fixed wing aircraft fitting in a box with inside dimensions of 24x18x8 inches. The payload bay has to be a rectangular block measuring 5x2x2 inches. There also is a limit of 55 pounds total weight with payload. The aircraft must take of either by hand launch or be propelled using a rubber tubing, than do a 360-degree circuit of the flying field and finally land within 200 feet landing zone. The article presents requirements analysis, weather research, design research, considered about launch method, wing layout and aircraft layout study (napkin sketches).