Ready To Fly

Ready To Fly

After the successful test of the Gen 1-P, we were close to finally testing the parachute system in flight. But first, we needed to collect some performance data on the FTS without the parachute system. During this flight test, we discovered that both the drop and camera systems were nonfunctional. The drop system was easily…

107

107

While we waited for the replacement receiver to arrive we decided to start studying for a 107 license.  A 107 license is needed to operate a sUAS (small Unmanned Aircraft System) or “drone” for commercial purposes.  We are unsure if this license is needed, but as it also allows greater freedom in sUAS operation we…

Preparing for Flight

Preparing for Flight

Our original plan was to perform our first drop test of the parachute system on the 20th of December.  The three failures of the parachute system print jobs (more about this here) used up much of our time, but we still had one more week before this deadline. To achieve this goal, we had many…

Onward and upwards

Onward and upwards

This week, we have been working on the test payload.  So far, we have finalized the design for the main body, copied it to foam board and cut it out.  The interior of the first generation test payload was not very flexible or accessible.  Seeking to fix both problems, we decided to implement a test…

Delays

Delays

Originally the plan was to fly the FTS (Flight Test System) for the first time on Saturday the 25th.  To achieve this goal, we first had to complete a few parts of the FTS.  We began by finishing the S1000+; starting with wiring and securing the various components of the flight controller.  We also needed…