As defined by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), a M.A.V is an aircraft that less than 15 cm or 6 inches in length, height, or width. These micro aircrafts are meant for reconnaissance and stealth surveillance. For this project we aim to design an aircraft that imitates the flight mechanics of an insect, having its wing flap horizontally. Like insects, the M.A.V will generate high lift at low Reynolds numbers. For the M.A.V Project, we aim to design, build, and fly a flapping wing micro air vehicle that is capable of hovering.

UAV Forge is meant to be a channel for students to apply analytical knowledge taught in class to real life applications. Fluid mechanics, structures of materials, programming, guidance, control, and navigation, aircraft controls, electrical engineering, computer networking, computer-aided design, and more are utilized in the design process of the airplane. The project also provides the opportunity for students to learn information usually not taught inside the classroom. This includes mechanism design, composite fabrication, iterative design processes, aircraft assembly, and documentation. Students are given more hands-on and practical experience, compared to the theoretical and conceptual focus of the engineering curriculum.

UAV Forge is meant to be a channel for students to apply analytical knowledge taught in class to real life applications. Fluid mechanics, structures of materials, programming, guidance, control, and navigation, aircraft controls, electrical engineering, computer networking, computer-aided design, and more are utilized in the design process of the airplane. The project also provides the opportunity for students to learn information usually not taught inside the classroom. This includes mechanism design, composite fabrication, iterative design processes, aircraft assembly, and documentation. Students are given more hands-on and practical experience, compared to the theoretical and conceptual focus of the engineering curriculum.

Objective 1 – Design a micro air vehicle

The design of the M.A.V will be an imitation of other researched M.A.V. We hope to be able to assemble one that works before branching off into new ideas.

Objective 2 – Achieve hovering

The M.A.V has to be able to lift its own weight and hovering in the air stably. Since the M.A.V will be unstable and the slightest disturbance can knock it down, we will build a frame that guides the M.A.V in the vertical direction, allowing it only 1 D.O.F.

Objective 3 – Testing Pitch

Once the M.A.V is capable of hovering, we will begin pitch testing. We will build a frame that connects to the M.A.V that allows 2 D.O.F, pitching and upwards and downwards movement. With the restricted movements, we will be able to see the extent that the M.A.V pitches.