FFLORIDA IINSTITUTE OF TTECHNOLOGY
CCOLLEGE OF EENGINEERING
AAERIAL UUNMANNED RRECONNAISSANCE AND OOPERATIONS RRESEARCH AAIRCRAFT ABOUT AURORA
AURORA, Aerial Unmanned Reconnaissance Operations and Research Aircraft, is a Senior Design Project at the Florida Institute of Technology, College of Engineering, in Melbourne, Florida. The AURORA Team’s members represent a multi-disciplinary group of dedicated students ready to utilize the lessons taught in the classroom to design an unmanned aerial vehicle. The team will apply theory, think creatively, and develop practical skills such as teamwork, professionalism, and leadership as part of the Senior Design Program experience.
Team Mission Objectives
The AURORA Team will attempt to design and build the first completely successful UAV at Florida Tech. The primary objective of the team is to design, build, and fly a completely autonomous aircraft in the 4th annual AUVSI Student UAV competition held in St. Inigoes, Maryland. Florida Tech will compete against teams undergraduate students from other universities around the country. The aircraft must navigate a predetermined course, search for and recognize targets, and return to “base” where the images of the targets can be processed autonomously. The team has decided to design and build the airframe of the aircraft completely on its own instead of using an off-the-shelf airframe. In addition, the plane will be capable of flying autonomously from takeoff to landing. In order to efficiently accomplish the design of the aircraft and its systems the AURORA Team has broken down into 5 sub-teams: Structures, Propulsion, Aerodynamics, Stability and Control, and Electronics.
The Structures Team is responsible for designing the airframe of the aircraft based on the aerodynamic design of the plane. They are also responsible for all mounting points for the subsystems of the plane. The Propulsion Team is responsible for designing the plane’s power plant. We have decided to use a nitro-fueled engine with a ducted fan unit to power the plane. The size of the engine and ducted fan required, the amount of fuel, and the fuel system are currently under design research and development. The Aerodynamics Team will design the aerodynamic surfaces of the aircraft. The wing, fuselage, and tail sections are all in the design process so that computer analysis and construction can begin. The Stability and Control Team is responsible for making sure the aircraft remains stable during steady level flight and maneuvers. They will design the control surfaces to meet the desired maneuverability requirements. The Electronics Team is responsible for developing the electronic systems to control the plane and to perform the aircraft’s mission. The payload will consist of an autonomous control unit, imaging and data storage equipment, and ground-to-air communications equipment at a minimum. Ideally, air-to-ground communications and data transmission will also be possible. The completion of the Electronics Team’s tasks is paramount to the success of this project.
11/26/2017 Page 2 Due to the complexity of the AURORA Team’s mission, the project will require extreme care in planning, implementation, and financing to ensure a safe and successful project. A number of advisors from the Aerospace, Mechanical, and Computer & Electrical Engineering departments are assisting the team with this project. The budget for the project is $12,500. To meet our goal of entering and winning the AUVSI competition, the AURORA Team must secure corporate support to finance the project. The AURORA Team is committed to building Florida Tech’s first successful UAV and to bringing a competitive plane to the competition.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
About the University
Founded in 1958, Florida Tech has earned a reputation for staying ahead of the curve in science and technology, and also in the way students and faculty interact. The school’s leading-edge research facilities and world-class teaching talent ensure that students will enjoy outstanding hands-on opportunities to participate in real-world applications of the theories and design principles they learn.
Graduate and undergraduate engineering and science majors are encouraged to get involved in research and in academic competitions such as the international human-powered submarine competition. Many students enrolled in graduate programs, as well as undergraduates, take part in sponsored research programs and make significant contributions to project results. Florida Tech houses a number of research institutes and centers that, in collaboration with academic departments, aid in the students’ training.
Florida Institute of Technology is an accredited, coeducational, independently controlled and supported university. It is committed to the pursuit of excellence in teaching and research in the sciences, engineering, technology, management and related disciplines, as well as providing the challenges that motivate students to reach their full academic and professional potential. Today, over 4,400 students are enrolled, with more than 3,000students on the Melbourne campus and the others at Florida Tech’s off-campus graduate centers. All of the off-campus students and more than 850 on-campus students are enrolled in graduate programs. Florida Tech offers 140 degree programs in science and engineering, aviation, management, humanities, psychology and communication. Doctoral degrees are offered in 20 disciplines, and there are more than 60 master’s degree programs.
The university is supported by tuition and fees, research grants and contracts, and assistance from foundations, industry and the local community. Careful attention to sound business policies has placed the institution on a sound financial basis year after year.
11/26/2017 Page 3 Florida Institute of Technology was ruled tax exempt `under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (IRC) of the U.S. Treasury Department in January 1960. The university was classified in October 1970 as an organization that is not a private foundation as defined in Section 509(a) of the IRC. Gifts to the university are thus tax deductible.
About the Senior Design Program
A hallmark of Florida Tech’s College of Engineering, Senior Design gives students hands-on experience in engineering in the real world. During a sequence of design courses, the teams conceive, design, provide specifications, secure external funding and get their hands dirty building and displaying a significant engineering project.
Senior Design is required of each undergraduate in engineering. The experience affords junior and senior students the opportunity to work together in multidisciplinary teams on real-world problems, challenges and opportunities.
Florida Tech’s future engineers and their collaborators from other disciplines have built formula cars, remote tracking systems, motion-monitoring devices, rockets and a fascinating variety of other projects. The projects are displayed, graded and judged at the annual Senior Design Showcase, a public event attracting hundreds of interested visitors.
Employers appreciate the difference in new engineers who know, on “day one,” how to work successfully on multidisciplinary teams, evaluate cost considerations and effectively present design proposals in a competitive environment. Engineering seniors do “hands-on engineering” which helps them gain an understanding of new projects at a level far beyond the usual expectations for undergraduate engineers.
In addition to knowledge and enthusiasm, successful execution of a project requires funding and materials. Student knowledge of basic fundraising practices is an essential element of each project. These factors drive the process and program through which future engineers learn how to incorporate dollar realities into their designs and how to identify, approach and acknowledge funding sources.
The quality of the Senior Design experience depends directly on the level of community and corporate support. All donations are appreciated, but a significant gift received early in the year provides significant support for our students. More importantly, it ensures that they will have an opportunity to “learn by doing” which we think will prepare them well for the professional practice of engineering in the 21st century.
11/26/2017 Page 4 About the Team
The AURORA Team is composed of approximately 23 students. Project Leader Justin Oliveira is joined by five sub-team leaders: Megan Kramer, Structures; Kyle Flynn, Propulsion; Adam Linsenbardt, Aerodynamics; Julie Wikete, Stability and Control; and Lori Schwartz, Electronics. We are a multi-disciplinary group representing Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, and Computer Engineering and Applied Mathematics. Our membership includes students from the sophomore, junior, and senior classes. We have more than 15 seniors who are part of Senior Design in addition to the many volunteers working on AURORA.
11/26/2017 Page 5 PROJECT TIMELINE
Phase One: Primary/Secondary Research and Pre-design Decisions (January 19, 2005 – May 4, 2005)
Phase Two: Preliminary Design and Simulations (May 16, 2005 – September 30, 2005)
Phase Three: Final Design Verification and Parts Acquisition (October 3, 2005 – October 17, 2005)
Phase Four: Fabrication and Construction (October 24, 2005 – February 6, 2006)
Phase Five: Testing and Competition (February 13, 2006 – February 28, 2006)
11/26/2017 Page 6 FINANCES
Any university project requires funding to turn an idea into a reality. Below is a description of AURORA’s expected costs for the project. These figures are estimates and may increase or decrease as the project design process develops.
AURORA will be working throughout the year to raise the funds necessary for a successful project. We welcome any help that you, the sponsor, may be able to provide. An outline displaying the breakdown of the project cost has been provided.
Comments Projected Budget Aerodynamics & Stability Windtunnel testing, software purchasing, etc. $200.00 Propulsion Powerplant unit, thrust unit, fuel storage, fuel $1000.00 Structures Epoxy, Composite Fabric, Equipment $1,200.00 Electronics and Payload Targeting System, Autopilot/Control System $3,000.00 General Expenses Office budget, registration costs, travel, etc. $2,000.00 TOTAL: $7,400.00
11/26/2017 Page 7 TYPES OF SUPPORT NEEDED
The AURORA Team is looking for three different types of support: advice, gifts, and gifts in kind. The team welcomes advice and values your input. Gifts in the form of monetary donations or price discounts and gifts-in-kind of material donations are appreciated. All three forms of assistance are important to the success of the project. We welcome your support!
BENEFITS OF BECOMING A SPONSOR
Partnering Opportunities Recruitment Opportunities Community Exposure Industry Exposure Sponsor’s logo on the vehicle Banner displayed at events with sponsor’s logo Sponsor’s logo displayed on all AURORA printed materials Sponsor’s logo displayed on the AURORA website Sponsorship of an educational program is tax deductible Access to current research Copy of Final Report
Florida Tech is providing the AURORA Team with the academic support and facilities necessary for manufacturing.
It is a challenge to raise funds and procure materials. The team is working hard to make our dream a reality. Any assistance you can offer such as monetary or material donations, discounts, etc. is greatly appreciated.
As a sponsor, you will have the opportunity to support a progressive academic program and will be entitled to the following benefits according to the donation level displayed in the next section.
Without your help, we would not have the opportunity to complete such an ambitious project.
11/26/2017 Page 8 SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
ACQUISITION: $4,500 - $7,000 BENEFITS: PREMIER SPONSOR EXTRA LARGE LOGO PLACED ON AIRPLANE LARGE BANNER DISPLAYED AT EVENTS SPONSOR LOGO PLACED ON PRINTED MATERIALS LISTED IN SPONSOR SECTION OF WEBPAGE AURORA T-SHIRTS AND PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION RECEIVE COPY OF AURORA’S FINAL REPORT
RECOGNITION: $3,000 - $4,499 BENEFITS: LARGE LOGO PLACED ON AIRPLANE LOGO DISPLAYED ON BANNER AT EVENTS SPONSOR LOGO PLACED ON PRINTED MATERIALS AURORA T-SHIRTS AND PLAQUE OF RECOGNITION LISTED IN SPONSOR SECTION OF WEBPAGE RECEIVE COPY OF AURORA’S FINAL REPORT
DETECTION: $1,500 - $2,999 BENEFITS: MEDIUM LOGO PLACED ON ROCKET LOGO DISPLAYED ON BANNER AT EVENTS LISTED IN SPONSOR SECTION OF WEBPAGE RECEIVE COPY OF AURORA’S FINAL REPORT
AUTOMATION: $500 - $1,499 BENEFITS: MEDIUM LOGO PLACED ON ROCKET SMALL LOGO DISPLAYED ON BANNER AT EVENTS LISTED IN SPONSOR SECTION OF WEBPAGE RECEIVE COPY OF AURORA’S FINAL REPORT
ACTIVATION:$499 AND BELOW BENEFITS: LISTED IN SPONSOR SECTION OF WEBPAGE
11/26/2017 Page 9 CONTACT INFORMATION
Please feel free to contact us with any questions or comments. The appropriate e-mail addresses and phone numbers have been listed below. Upon request, we will provide you with a more detailed proposal package as our design develops. We also welcome any opportunity to meet with you and to show our presentation to you and/or your company.
Thank you for your time, and we look forward to discussing the AURORA Project with you.
Sincerely,
The Florida Tech AURORA Team
AURORA Project:
Justin Oliveira - [email protected] Project Leader AURORA College of Engineering
Florida Institute of Technology 150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: (978) 877-7869
Florida Tech Development Office:
Mary Dyer - [email protected] Development Associate Florida Tech Office of Development
150 W. University Blvd. Melbourne, FL 32901 Phone: (321) 674-8962 Fax: (321) 674-6150
11/26/2017 Page 10