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Autogyro UAV

Pranav Sakhuja, Aaditya Shivadey, Arham Nawaf, Ruochen Li

WI25 - SP25

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Contents

Sponsor Intro

Project Objectives

Requirements and Constraints

CAD

Risk Reduction

Individual Component Topics

SP25 Plan

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5

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6

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​

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Ruochen

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Introduction of Our Sponsor

Dr. Robert Heath - Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

  • Title & Affiliation: Charles Lee Powell Chair in Wireless Communication, UC San Diego
  • Expertise: MIMO wireless communications, millimeter-wave and terahertz systems, 5G, 6G, and next-gen cellular networks
  • Key Research Areas: Machine learning for wireless communications, reconfigurable antennas, and AI-driven networks
  • PPL holder, enjoys flying, and is interested in using autogyros for efficient monitoring of Scripps

Ruochen

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Objectives

  • Develop an autonomous aerial monitoring system harnessing Autogyro technology.
  • Monitor wave conditions, shark watch, and coastal changes using live camera stream
  • Establish real-time data transmission and analysis
  • Optimize flight stability and coverage for long-duration missions, minimizing energy consumption
  • Validate system with ground and aerial testing

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Ruochen and Pranav

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Functional Requirements and Constraints

The autogyro should be able to:

  • Carry the required payload consisting of the camera + control system hardware + battery
  • Fly along the beach near Scripps pier with an attached camera to monitor sea life and wave conditions
  • Come to a gradual descent if the main motor fails
  • Follow a planned autonomous path along the shoreline
  • Stream live video feed as the autogyro flies over the shoreline

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Ruochen

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Autogyro CAD

Autogyro (Without Payload)

Autogyro (With Payload)

Aaditya

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Payload Integration CAD

Autogyro (Without Payload)

Autogyro (Without Payload)

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Camera

Camera PCBA

Antennas (x2)

Payload Components

Rear View of Payload on Fuselage

Aaditya

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Risk Reduction: High Risk Areas

  • Aerodynamic & Stability Risks
    • Payload may cause unpredictable effects on CG of Autogyro, rendering it unstable
    • Aerodynamic drag caused by payload may lead to unpredictable maneuverability
    • Weight of the payload may exceed the Autogyro’s maximum capacity
  • Human Factor & Pilot Errors
    • Flight performance is dependent on pilot performance and experience, making it more sensitive to human errors
  • Takeoff & Landing Risks
    • Uneven ground surface may cause tip-overs or rollovers during takeoff and landing
  • Weather Risks
    • High wind speed and wind gusts may increase the likelihood of loss of control of aircraft

Aaditya

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Planned Risk Reduction Tests

  • Payload Capacity Test to determine if the selected Durafly G2 Autogyro can lift the camera and autonomous flight controller ~ estimated test weight approximately
  • Manual Flight Test to ensure stable control before autonomous deployment.
  • Vibration Analysis to detect and minimize excessive oscillations affecting system performance.
  • Center of Gravity Assessment to verify balance and stability with added payload.
  • Power and Endurance Test to evaluate thrust-to-weight ratio and battery efficiency.
  • Failsafe and Emergency Recovery Test to validate safe landing procedures in case of signal loss or power failure.

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Arham

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Remaining Questions and Unresolved Issues

  • General Flight & Maneuvering Characteristics
    • Aerodynamic behavior in various loading and weather conditions
    • Comparison with helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft
  • Effect of Payload on Center of Gravity (CG)
    • Changes in CG and its impact on flight performance
    • Stability concerns and mitigation strategies
    • Payload distribution best practices
  • Implementation of Autonomous Flight Capabilities
    • Challenges in autonomous flight in different weather conditions

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Arham

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Individual Component Topics

Pranav Sakhuja - Flight Control & Telemetry Integration

  • Control scheme and autopilot architecture: Design the architecture for the flight control
  • Set up Pixhawk & Ardupilot firmware – Install, configure sensors, and tune PID for gyrocopter stability.
  • Modify firmware parameters & scripts – Adapt flight control logic for autonomous functions and servo response.
  • Integrate telemetry with camera feed – Synchronize flight data with video streaming for real-time monitoring.
  • Test and optimize control system – Validate servo, BLDC motor response, and refine firmware for smooth operation.

Ruochen Li - Camera & Streaming System

  • Select and configure camera module – Optimize for aerial use and real-time streaming.
  • Design and optimize camera mount – CAD model, weight reduction, and vibration damping for stability.
  • Integrate camera with flight telemetry – Ensure synchronized video feed and overlay live flight data.

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Pranav, Ruochen

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Individual Component Topics

Arham Nawaf - Potential Mechanical Modifications

  • Develop potential modifications for weight reduction – For eg from the fuselage, landing gear, rotor tower etc.
  • Design modifications to elevator/rudder/ailerons/flaps as required – To improve wind stability.
  • Develop a method to quickly swap out the battery – Design a mechanism for easy access to the battery.

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Aaditya Shivadey - Payload integration & Mechanical Optimization

  • Dynamics Simulations – Conduct simulations and calculations to estimate maximum and optimal payload capacity.
  • Payload integration and optimization – Optimize payload placement to ensure stable flight in a wide range of conditions.
  • Aerodynamic Optimization – Make modifications to design to improve flight performance and increase maneuverability.

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Arham, Aaditya

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Plan for Next Quarter

Major Deliverables:

  • Week 1 (03/31 - 04/06): Finalized system architecture + Camera Gimbal Mount CAD
  • Week 2 (04/07 - 04/13): Initial Pixhawk firmware setup (modified for Autogyro control) + Manufacture Camera Mount
  • Week 3 (04/14 - 04/20): Completed CAD model for battery swapping mechanism + Telemetry/camera integration
  • Week 4 (04/21 - 04/27): Fully assembled swappable battery system
  • Week 5 (04/28 - 05/04): Grounded and Aerial System Testing
  • Week 6 (05/05 - 05/11): Tuned PID and completed communication protocols
  • Week 7 (05/12 - 05/18): Test Report + System and Design Optimization
  • Week 8 (05/19 - 05/25): Optimized system based on testing feedback + Final Testing
  • Week 9 (05/26 - 06/01): Completed and validated final prototype
  • Week 10 (06/02 - 06/07): Final report

Pranav

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Gantt Chart

Pranav

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Thank you!