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Centering servosEnsuring wiring has sold connection Correct wiring in harnessInstall electronicsAll connections are satisfactory
Lab 05
Introduction
The Believer UAV is a fixed-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle used for surveying, photography, and mapping. In Purdue’s UAS program, it will be used as a training aid for the Windracer.
In the lab today, we became familiar with the Believer UAV's parts and components. We were asked to go through all of the elements, identify them, and take pictures of the parts.
Our group did the same with all of the different electronics. We learned the purpose of each electronic and learned why each was important to make the Believer UAV fly.
Believer Build Blog
Group Members: Evan Madura, Kyle Struck, Alex Delatorre, Minje Kim
Parts List - Airframe
Row
Component
Function
Picture of component
Fuselage
The main component of the airframe which is able to split into two for the enability of the wiring. The fuselage is also the primary joint for the necessary components, such as the wing adapter, carbon tubes, servo gears, wings, connectors, etc.
L & R Wings
The main component utilizing the aircraft’s lift, held by the wing adapters through the fuselage.
L & R empennage
Another neccessary component in utilizing the aircraft’s lift, however is primarily employed for the aircraft’s capability within the control of its AOA or the vertical movement of the aircraft.
Wings covering Plate
The employment of the wing covering plate is to be coated with foam glue upon the installation to the wing which should be fixed by paper glue. The primary function of the wing covering plate is to protect the airframe, mainly the wings themselves, upon landing with impact and physical interaction with the ground with the airframe.
Cabin Cover
It safeguards sensitive electronics from wind, dust, moisture, and debris.
Parachute cabin cover
A canopy on top of the fuselage that can be used as a deployment bay for a recovery parachute.
Fuselage supporting carbon tube
The long carbon spar that runs along the fuselage to provide structural strength and rigidity. It connects the main wing section through the fuselage,
Wings inserting carbon tube
A carbon fiber tube that passes through the fuselage, giving the airframe rigidity and strength. It also helps support the wings during flight.
Wings connecting parts
Wings connecting parts are attached and held accountable with the fuselage supporting and acts as an adapter and a joint with the rest of the wing parts.
Empennages connecting parts
The Believer's wings are attached to the fuselage with items including alignment tabs, sockets, and mounting bolts. This makes sure that they fit tightly and correctly.
Servo fixing parts
Servo fixing parts are the primary materials when holding the servos accountable and in place upon the installations of the servos mounted to the fuselage and connected to the push rod.
Helmangle
Helmangles are categorized into 2 components which are wing helmangle, and empennage helmangle. They
Battery fixing board
Antenna fixing board
Cabin cover fixing
Electric regulating cover
Stud
Cabin cover locking nail
Chuck
Latching hook
The Believer has a latching hook that works as a mechanical lock to keep the cabin cover or wing panels attached to the fuselage. It prevents them from loosening mid-flight.
Fuselage reinforcing plate
It is a hard plate that helps provide a solid base for high-stress points such as landing gear, preventing the foam structure from cracking or deforming under load.
Tail reinforcing plate
A hard support piece is built into the rear fuselage to strengthen the area where the horizontal and vertical stabilizers attach. It prevents the foam structure from cracking or deforming under load.
Autopilot locating
The autopilot locating plate is necessary to install a flight controller in the Believer. It keeps the autopilot level, safe, and away from vibrations, which makes sure that navigation is always secure.
Basement of parachute servo
The reinforced mounting plate inside the fuselage is the bottom of the parachute servo. It keeps the servo stable.
Wooden plate of parachute hatch
The wooden plate of the parachute hatch strengthens the hatch door. It provides a solid base.
Stiffer of parachute hatch cover
The stiffer of the parachute hatch cover is a lightweight reinforcing plate. It helps maintain a strong latch connection.
Motor installing base
The motor installing base provides a strong mount that aligns the motor correctly and protects the fuselage.
Cushion of battery area and flight control area
The cushion between the battery and flight controls provides shock absorption. It keeps important electronics safe from vibration.
There are no rows in this table
Parts List - Electronics
Row
Component
Function
Why is it necessary
Blog equivalent
Ruko R111 Remote ID Module
remote ID module
Required by FAA regulations to broadcast the drone’s identity and position
believer FPV Plane
Velcro tape with adhesive
velcro for battery
Keeps the battery securely in place while still allowing quick removal.
Battery mounting solutions
Tripp Lite Heavy Duty Computer Power Cord
charging cable for battery charger
The battery needs to be charged to power the system
N/A
MFE Believer - KIT
airframe kit
Airframe
Believer FPV Plane
T-Motor AT3520 Long Shaft 550 KV
motor
spins the propeller
T-motor MN3110 700Kv
T-Motor AT 55A - Fixed wing ESC with 5V/5A UBEC
Electronic speed control
regulates the speed of the electric motor
HobbyWing Platinum Pro 30A ESC
EMAX ES3054 Digital Servo w/ Bearing
servo
moves the control surfaces
Bluebird BMS-393DMH
Aero-naut CAMcarbon Light 126L CW
propeller left spinning
spins through the air and propels plane forward
APC Style 10x7E
Aero-naut CAMcarbon Light 126R CCW
propeller right spinning
spins through the air and propels plane forward
APC Style 10x7E
UltraPower - UP1200+ 8CH Charger 2-6s 25A
battery charger
converts power from the wall into the battery
N/A
TBS Tracer Micro TX Starter Set
telemetry link
gives data about aircraft position
CUAV Hack Link HD video system /w telemetry
Taranis X9D Plus SE 2019
Transmitter
allows for control of the uas
CUAV Pixhawk Nano Flight Controller
XT90H - 5 Pairs
Connector for battery
allows battery to be connected
N/A
083 - 2-6s backup BEC for Pixhawk 2
Backup BEC
voltage regulator
Turnigy Multistar Twin Output 5v/12v SBEC
Digital Airspeed Sensor MS4525DO
Digital airspeed Sensor MS4525DO
senses air speed
N/A
Here 3+ with iStand
Can GPS with M8p
global positioning system
N/A
RFDesign - PIXHAWK 2 to RFD900/868 Telemetry Cable
telemetry cable
connects telemetry
N/A
RFD 900x-US V2 Modem (FCC approved) - Bundle
RF transmitting antenna
transmits signal
N/A
Cube ID-CAN
Cube housing and connection
remote ID module
N/A
45cm Male to Female Twisted Servo Extension – 22AWG Locking
wire, male to female connection
adds length to servo connections
N/A
The Cube Blue H7
High-performance autopilot system
Allows for the training and operation of autopilot
N/A
ADS-B Carrier Board -Only for The Cube
ADS-B carrier board
Carries the ADS-B
N/A
Gens Ace G Tech Tattu HV 17000mAh 15C
Battery, powers the system
To provide power to the system
N/A
AM1021B-M
3 prong connector male
Electronics connection
N/A
AM1021B-F
3 prong connector female
Electronics connection
N/A
There are no rows in this table
Simplified Build Instructions
Row
Instruction
Gather all materials for the airframe and internals
Use glue to install all of the included wood plated and plastic pieces
Use glue to assemble the fuselage and foam parts in order
Install servos for the control surfaces
Center Servo and Install Horns
Install linkage
Motors and ESC
complete wiring harness for Cube
install all electronics
There are no rows in this table
Critical Points
Reflection
After the completion of this lab, I am now able to assess the different components of the Believer UAV. This is useful for the future because it will make it easier to construct the drone. I realized how fragile the airframe is, and also the multitude of parts the Believer UAV is constructed of. Seeing the complexity of the drone, I can see how constructing the drone will take a long time. I am excited to start training on the Believer UAV and eventually fly the Windracer.
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