Short update on our drone development. The Danish Fixed Wing company Dines Avitech purpose is to build a drone for the DroneSOM project.
During the DroneSOM project meeting in CPH last week, we saw the “Dummy Weight” that we will use for simulating the 8.0 KG “Real Gravity Sensor”. The Dummy weight Box sets the shape, dimension, and construction method for the whole Drone building.
Last week, Dines Avitech made a dimensional drawing of the Drone Fuselage and Vertical stabilizer. The decision was to use the same construction design that is used in manned aviation.
The drone design targets are as follows:
- MTOW/MTOM (Maximum Takeoff Weight/Mass): 25 Kg.
- Maximum Wing Span: 300 cm or below.
- Takeoff and Landing Distance: Below 50 meters (ISA Conditions).
- Engine Type: Piston engine.
- Capable of taking off and landing on Snow using Skies, Runway (Grass or Concrete) using wheels, and Unprepared small gravel runway using Tundra Wheels.
Now the construction materials are ordered, and the process of building the Drone Fuselage using the Semimonocoque design, with Frames, Stringers, and Skin has taken place. All the aspects ensure a very light and strong drone design that can support the somewhat heavy Gravity Sensor Installation.
The Tailwheel Design enables even further weight savings. It is a simple design that can easily change wheels to Skies or install the so-called large diameter “Tundra wheels” for short take-off and landing on unpaved surfaces.
Later this week, Dines Avitech will also make the Vertical Stabilizer using the tribble spar design method. That will ensure a more failsafe design that is both strong and light. (figure).
The upcoming weeks will be used for the construction of the flight control surfaces and the Horizontal Stabilizer.
