Fuselage assembly & documentation for simplified assembly Tables created for the assembly of Fuselage, Motor, Servo, and main electronics Identifying parts purchased and their function on the aircraft Diego: Motor, Electronics, and Servo installation table Fuselage assembly & documentation for simplified assembly Tables created for the assembly of Fuselage, Motor, Servo, and main electronics Bella: Air-frame Identification/laid out each part individually and used the manual to identify parts Objective
The purpose of this lab was to identify, organize, and document all components within the MFE Believer aircraft kit while comparing manufacturer-recommended parts to those that were purchased for assembly. This process also allowed our team to become more familiar with the structure, systems, and integration of each component within a fixed-wing UAS.
Overview
During this lab, each group member was assigned specific sections of the Believer aircraft to identify and document. The goal was to create a clear and simplified assembly reference that could be used for future builds and maintenance.
Bella identified and labeled all air-frame components using the manual. Clayton and Diego worked on the fuselage assembly, servo installation, and motor/electronics documentation. Niko and I collaborated on comparing the parts we purchased to the parts that were recommended by the manufacturer. This included creating detailed tables showing component functions, equivalents, and compatibility between versions. Procedure
Part Identification
We began by laying out all components of the Believer kit, separating them into logical categories such as wings, empennage, fuselage, motor, servos, and main electronics. Bella cross-referenced each item with the manual to confirm its name and purpose. This step ensured that every part—no matter how small—was accounted for before starting assembly.
Component Comparison
Component Familiarization 2
Niko and I focused on comparing our purchased parts to those recommended by MFE. We made a table listing each component, its purpose, and its equivalent. This required a lot of research since some of the links provided in the documentation were broken. We solved this by manually searching for the parts online, matching specifications such as voltage, weight, and compatibility.
This process helped us gain a better understanding of how each electronic component interacts within the aircraft—especially the importance of choosing compatible ESCs, servos, and flight controllers.
Assembly Preparation
Clayton and Diego documented each major section of the build, creating simplified instructions for future assembly. This included notes on critical installation details, such as how the fuselage should be glued and aligned, how the servo horns should face, and how to safely insert the carbon tubes into the wings without damaging the foam.
Building & Installation 2
Personal Reflection
Personally, I think this lab went really well and was not as difficult as I initially expected. It helped me develop a stronger understanding of how each part functions within the aircraft and why specific design tweaks are made.
Working with Niko on the parts comparison gave me insight into the reasoning behind different part substitutions—like why certain ESCs or servos are chosen for better performance or fit. Even though we ran into issues with broken links and missing references, we were able to overcome them by researching and verifying each part manually.
This process made me appreciate the detailed systems integration that goes into assembling a fixed-wing UAS and gave me a better grasp on how the Believer aircraft operates as a whole.
Conclusion
Overall, the Believer Identification and Assembly Lab was an excellent learning experience that bridged the gap between theory and application. It gave our team hands-on exposure to real aircraft components, from servos and ESCs to flight controllers and airframes. By identifying, comparing, and organizing every part of the Believer, we built a stronger foundation for future labs involving system installation, wiring, and flight readiness.