Our Aircraft
2024-2025 Competition and Test Vehicles
Competition Vehicle
Skyhunter
The Skyhunter is a manually launched, fixed-wing platform designed for reliable autonomous flight. After a simple hand launch, it operates independently using a Cube Orange flight controller. Powered by a single rear-mounted propeller, the aircraft offers efficient and stable performance throughout the mission. Inside the structure, a two-axis gimbal provides stabilized visual operations, supported by custom-built battery cells for maximum efficiency and endurance. The Skyhunter also features a custom-designed airdrop mounting bracket, allowing for quick hotswapping of payload modules to streamline mission turnaround. It lands smoothly on its belly without the need for landing gear, ensuring simple and durable recoveries.
Specifications
Wingspan: 1.8 m
Cruise Speed: 15-20 m/s
Stall Speed: 10 m/s
Weight: 5 kg
Material: EPO with Carbon Fiber
Airdrop
The airdrop system was thoughtfully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and seamless integration, mounting directly onto the wing without disrupting airflow. It features a servo-actuated door mechanism that enables precise deployment of a beacon attached to a parachute. For added flexibility and operational speed, the drop module is fully swappable, allowing for rapid replacement with pre-loaded units during mission turnaround.
Avionics
The aircraft’s avionics are powered by a Cube Orange flight controller, ensuring reliable performance and advanced flight capabilities. Custom-built battery cells provide optimized power delivery and efficiency tailored to our system’s demands. A Here3 GPS unit is securely integrated into the aircraft’s structure, offering precise positioning and robust navigation support for autonomous missions.
Visualization
The aircraft features a two-axis gimbal mounted within the internal structure, providing stabilized and responsive visual coverage during flight. Behind the scenes, custom-developed software processes the captured imagery in real time, enabling intelligent decision-making and triggering notifications for precise airdrop timing. This integration of hardware and software ensures reliable and autonomous mission execution.
Test Vehicle
Striver
Striver is a classic fixed-wing aircraft featuring horizontal takeoff and landing capabilities, designed with a strong focus on safety and practicality. It utilizes a proven aerodynamic layout and incorporates a redundant backup avionics system to enhance reliability. The entire aircraft supports quick, tool-free disassembly for ease of transport and maintenance. Striver is equipped with two horizontal propellers and custom-designed, steerable landing gear for precise ground maneuverability.
Specifications
Wingspan: 2.4 m
Cruise Speed: 18-21 m/s
Stall Speed: 10 m/s
Weight: 10 kg
Material: EPO, EVA, carbon fiber, engineering plastics, etc.
Preparing the Aircraft
A critical aspect of this aircraft’s development was the meticulous preparation behind its construction. Achieving a smooth surface finish was a top priority, as it plays a key role in ensuring optimal aerodynamic efficiency.
Landing Gear
The landing gear was custom-designed to provide both durability and precision. Featuring a steerable front wheel, it offers excellent ground handling and maneuverability during taxiing, takeoff, and landing. Built with lightweight yet robust materials, the gear supports easy transport and maintenance without compromising performance.
Airdrop
The airdrop system was thoughtfully designed for aerodynamic efficiency and seamless integration, mounting directly onto the wing without disrupting airflow. It features a servo-actuated door mechanism that enables precise deployment of a beacon attached to a parachute. For added flexibility and operational speed, the drop module is fully swappable, allowing for rapid replacement with pre-loaded units during mission turnaround.
Avionics
The aircraft’s avionics are powered by a Cube Orange flight controller, ensuring reliable performance and advanced flight capabilities. Custom-built battery cells provide optimized power delivery and efficiency tailored to our system’s demands. A Here3 GPS unit is securely integrated into the aircraft’s structure, offering precise positioning and robust navigation support for autonomous missions.
Visualization
The aircraft features a two-axis gimbal mounted within the internal structure, providing stabilized and responsive visual coverage during flight. Behind the scenes, custom-developed software processes the captured imagery in real time, enabling intelligent decision-making and triggering notifications for precise airdrop timing. This integration of hardware and software ensures reliable and autonomous mission execution.