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UAV layout as shown in PRO/E model.
The
design of the UAV was one that changed almost daily
during the 17 weeks it took to build it. Among the
requirements driving the design were low cost, rapid
construction, and flight characteristics such that a human
pilot could control it if needed. Beyond these general
stipulations, the craft was to be capable of autonomous
flight while cruising at an estimated speed of 90 mph with a
10 mile range.
Actually, construction
began with only a few rough sketches and a
concept. Most of the airframe was designed during
construction. It was only after the airframe had been
built that a PRO/E model was made. The
PRO/E model then allowed the calculation of the moments of
inertia and the center of gravity. Because of a mistyped number earlier in the semester, the UAV had a projected center of gravity 3-5 inches behind the
point of instability. This error was verified on the
physical model too. As a result of this and the
scrapping of parachute recovery, the forward fuselage had to
be changed drastically. Eventually, 2 pounds of lead
was installed in the nose to balance it. Below
are some PRO/E graphics without description. 
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