212AER2215 – UAV LABORATORY MANUAL

Academic Year (20… -

20….)
NAME :
REGISTER NUMBER :
BATCH :
BRANCH : [Link] – AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING
YEAR / SEMESTER / SECTION :
COURSE CODE / NAME : 212AER2215 / UAV LABORATORY
 Bonafide Certificate

This is to certify that the Practical work done by ……………………… of Register

number …………………….. of Aeronautical Engineering Department in the UAV

laboratory during the academic year ……..to.............under your supervision.

Head of the Department Faculty in-Charge

External Examiner Internal Examiner

 214AER3101 - UAV LABORATORY

Date of Signature of
S. No. List of Experiments Date of
conduction the faculty
submission

Study of drone components

1

Design a Drone 2 blade propeller model

2

3 Design a Drone frame model

Check the propeller efficiency

4

Estimation of size of the propeller for

5 UAV

Assembly of drone
6

PID Tuning in Drone

7

Drone Calibration
8

Exercise on drone simulation and control

9

Design and fabricate Drone Propeller in

10 3D Printer
 UAV LABORATORY

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) lab provides the students with an opportunity to work
with UAVs and gain hands-on experience with the technology. This can include learning about UAV design,
assembly, and operation. Encouraging collaboration among students to work together on UAV-related
projects, such as building and flying drones, developing software applications, or conducting research.
Developing technical skills related to UAVs, such as programming, data analysis, and sensor integration.
Preparing students for careers in the UAV industry by providing them with relevant skills and knowledge.

COURSE OUTCOMES (CO’s):

After completing this course, the student must demonstrate the knowledge and ability to:

CO1 Students understand the concepts of UAV and its system configuration

CO2 Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of UAV technologies,

including design, construction, operation, and maintenance

CO3 Students will be able to demonstrate an understanding of UAV technologies,

including design, construction, operation, and maintenance.

CO4 Real time working on drone components increase their learning approach
Simulation software helps in real time drone training

CO5 Students will be able to work collaboratively in teams to design and build
UAVs, solve problems related to UAV operations, and develop new
applications for UAVs.
 Exp. No.:
Study of drone components
Date :

AIM:

To study the basic introduction of drones and its components.

THEORY:

INTRODUCTION:

An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or uncrewed aerial vehicle commonly known as a drone, is an aircraft
without any human pilot, crew or passengers on board.
• UAVs are a component of an unmanned aircraft system (UAS), which include additionally a ground-based
controller and a system of communications with the UAV.
• The flight of UAVs may operate under remote control by a human operator, as remotely piloted aircraft
(RPA), or with various degrees of autonomy, such as autopilot assistance, up to fully autonomous aircraft that
have no provision for human intervention.
• UAVs were originally developed through the twentieth century for military missions
• As control technologies improved and costs fall, their use in the twenty-first century is rapidly finding many
more applications including aerial photography, product deliveries, agriculture, policing and surveillance,
infrastructure inspections.

WORKING PRINCIPLE OF QUADCOPTER

A quadcopter has four propellors at four corners of the frame
For each propeller, speed and direction of rotation are independently controlled for balance and movement of
the drone
In a traditional quadrotor, all four rotors are placed at an equal distance from each other
To maintain the balance of the system, one pair of rotors rotates in a clockwise direction and the other pair
rotates in an anti-clockwise direction.
To move up (hover), all rotors should run at high speed. By changing the speed of rotors, the drone can be
moved forward, backward, and side-to-side.

PARTS OF A DRONE:

Frame:
This is a structure (frame) in which all the other parts fit in. It acts as a skeleton in which different
components are placed in such a manner that they uniformly distribute the drone’s center of gravity. Different
drone designs have different quadcopter frames structure with a minimum of 3 propeller fitting gaps. They are
available in various shapes and sizes.
Propellers:
The speed and load lifting ability of a drone depends on shape, size, and number of propellors. The long
propellors create huge thrust to carry heavy loads at a low speed (RPM) and less sensitive to change the speed
of rotation. Short propellors carry fewer loads. They change rotation speeds quickly and require a high speed
for more thrust.
Motor:
Motors are essential for the propeller’s rotation. This enhances a thrust force for propelling the drone. Still,
the number of motors should be the same as the number of propellers. The motors are also fitted in a way
such that they are easily rotated by the controller. Their rotation enhances the drone control in terms of
direction. Choosing the right motor is essential for the efficiency of the drone. Both motors brushless and
brushed type can be used for drones. A brushed motor is less expensive and useful for small-sized drones.
Brushless type motors are powerful and energy very efficient. But they need Electronic Speed Controller
(ESC) to control their speed. These brushless motors are widely used for racing freestyle drones, traffic
surveys and aerial photography drones.
ESC (Electronic Speed Controller):
This is an electronic control board that varies the motor’s speed. It also acts as a dynamic brake. The
component helps the ground pilot to approximate the height at which the drone is running in. This is attained
by gauging the amount of power used by all the motors. Altitude is associated with power drain from the
power reservoirs. Flight Controller (FC)
It is the computer processor which manages balance and telecommunication controls using different
transmitter. Sensors are located in this unit for the accelerometer, barometer, magnetometer, gyrometer and
GPS. The distance measurement can be carried out by an ultrasound sensor.
Radio Transmitter:
It is a channelled transmitter and a communicator to the drone. Each channel has specific frequency capable
of steering the drone in a certain motion. Drones require at least 4 channels for effective operation. It sends
the radio signal to ESC to pilot to control motor speed.
Radio Receiver:
Received the signal from the pilot. This device is attached to the quadcopter.
Battery:
The battery acts as the power source to the drone. It supplies energy in all the electronics in the framework
through the power distribution cables. Nickel Metal Hybrid or Nickel Cadmium based batteries were first
used; however, their use has diminished while the use of lithium batteries has increased. They can store a
greater amount of energy than the Nickle Cadmium and Nickle Metal Hybrid. The rating of a typical battery
is 3000mAh and 4V.

CLASSIFICATION:
UAVs may be classified like any other aircraft, according to design configuration such as weight or engine
type, maximum flight altitude, degree of operational autonomy, operational role, etc.
Based on the weight
nano (weighing up to 250 g), Micro air vehicles (MAV) (250 g - 2 kg), Miniature UAV or small (SUAV) (2-
25 kg), medium (25-150 kg), and large (over 150 kg).

Based on the altitude

• Hand-held 2,000 ft (600 m) altitude, about 2 km range

• Close 5,000 ft (1,500 m) altitude, up to 10 km range
• NATO type 10,000 ft (3,000 m) altitude, up to 50 km range
• Tactical 18,000 ft (5,500 m) altitude, about 160 km range
 • MALE (medium altitude, long endurance) up to 30,000 ft (9,000 m)
and range over 200 km
• HALE (high altitude, long endurance) over 30,000 ft (9,100 m)
and indefinite range
• Hypersonic high-speed, supersonic (Mach 1–5) or hypersonic (Mach
5+) 50,000 ft (15,200 m) or suborbital altitude, range over 200 km
• Orbital low earth orbit
• CIS Lunar Earth-Moon transfer
• Computer Assisted Carrier Guidance System (CACGS) for UAVs
Based on the application
Combat: Combat drones are used for attacking in the high-risk missions. They are also known as Unmanned
Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV). They carry missiles for the missions. Combat drones are much like planes.
Logistics: Logistics drones are used for delivering goods or cargo. There is a number of famous companies,
such as Amazon and Domino's, which deliver goods and pizzas via drones. It is easier to ship cargo with
drones when there is a lot of traffic on the streets, or the route is not easy to drive.
Civil: Civil drones are for general usage, such as monitoring the agriculture fields, data collection, and aerial
photography.
Reconnaissance: These kinds of drones are also known as mission-control drones. A drone is assigned to do a
task and it does automatically, and usually returns to the base by itself, so they are used to get information
from the enemy on the battlefield. These kinds of drones are supposed to be small and easy to hide.
Target and decoy: These kinds of drones are like combat drones, but the difference is, the combat drone
provides the attack capabilities for the high-risk mission and the target and decoy drones provide the ground
and aerial gunnery with a target that simulates the missile or enemy aircrafts.
Based on wing
Fixed wing:
A fixed wing drone has a rigid wing. They look like airplanes. These types of drones have a very good battery
life, as they use only one motor (or less than the multi-wing). They can fly at a high altitude.
Rotary wing:
Single rotor drones are simply like helicopter. They are strong and the propeller is designed in a way that it helps
to both hover and change directions. Remember, the single rotor drones can only hover vertically in the air.
They are good with battery power as they consume less power than a multirotor. The payload capacity of a
single rotor is good. However, they are difficult to fly. Their wing or the propeller can be dangerous if it
loosens. Result:
The study of drone components is studied successfully.
 Exp. No.:
DESIGN A DRONE PROPELLER MODEL
Date :

AIM:

To create a 3d modeling of Drone Propeller using using design software “ONSHAPE”

PROCEDURE:
Step 01:
Draw the sketch on the Front Plane and Draw the sketch on the Front Plane and set its dimensions.
Step 02: Draw a Circle for the diameter 23mm.
Step 03: Create 5 different planes with given dimensions.

Step 04: Select the plane 01 and draw and coincide a reference and center-line in given dimension.
Step 05: Select the plane 02 and draw and coincide a a reference and centerline in reference and centerline in given
dimension

Step 06: Select the plane 03 and draw and coincide a reference and centerline in given dimension
Step 07: Select the plane 04 and draw and coincide a reference and centerline in given dimension

Step 08: Select the plane 05 and draw and coincide a reference and centerline in given dimension
Step 09: Select the option lofted boss in features and select the nodal point on each plane

Step 10: Select the top plane and draw the center part of propeller in the given dimension and extrude in it.
Step 11: By selecting the circular pattern draw the circle for the given dimension and cut extrude it

Step 12: Select the circular pattern in the feature feature and select the parts to be patterned
Step 13: Isometric view

RESULT:
The drone propeller is designed by using “ONSHAPE” design software.
 Exp. No.:
Design a Drone frame model
Date :

AIM:
To create a 3d modeling of Drone Frame and assembly using “ONSHAPE” design software.
PROCEDURE:
Step 01: Draw the sketch on the Top P Draw the sketch on the Top Plane and set dimensions.
Step 02: Draw an arc and Step 02: Draw an arc and insert the required dimensions.

Step 03: Draw a line adjacent to the arc in the given dimension.
Step 04: Complete the base drawing using the option circular pattern.
Step 05: Draw the slot and using the option circular pattern complete the as per dimension.
Step 06: Extrude the drawing.
Step07: Draw the required numbers of holes for assembly.
Step 08: By using the option liner pattern project another hole.
Step 09: By using the circular pattern multiple the holes.
Step [Link] the drawing.
Step 11:Draw the drone Stem with required dimension as as follow.

Step12: Extrude the drawing and make holes as per requirement

Step13: Design and cut section throughout the stem region
Step 14: Draw hole for assembly
Step 15: Draw the leg area of the drone.

Step16: Extrude the projection drawn.

Step 17: Assemble the two components.

RESULT:
The drone frame model design by using the “ONSHAPE” design software.
 Exp. No.:
Check the propeller efficiency
Date :

AIM:

To determine the velocity profile (or decaying velocity) jet from coaxial nozzle at different lengths

PROCEDURE:

The propeller efficiency of a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) can be checked by following these steps:

1. Determine the thrust produced by the propeller:

The thrust produced by the propeller can be measured using a thrust stand. This device will allow you to
measure the amount of force produced by the propeller.

2. Measure the power input:

The power input can be measured using a watt meter. This device will allow you to measure the amount of
power being supplied to the motor.

3. Calculate the propeller efficiency:

The propeller efficiency can be calculated using the following formula:

Propeller Efficiency = Thrust / (Power Input * Velocity)

Where,
Thrust = force produced by the propeller (in
Newtons) Power Input = power supplied to the motor
(in Watts) Velocity = speed of the UAV (in meters
per second)

4. Analyze the results:

The efficiency of the propeller can be analyzed by comparing the calculated propeller efficiency with the
theoretical maximum efficiency for that particular propeller.
TABULATION:
[Link].
Propeller RPM Torque Thrust Efficiency

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

CALCULATION:
RESULT:
 Exp. No.:
Estimation of size of the propeller for UAV
Date :

AIM:
To determine the size of the propeller for UAV.

PROCEDURE:
Drone frame size determines the diameter of the propeller. A drone propeller is measured by determining
the distance between the furthermost points on blades opposite to one another. The following steps are
followed to measure the size of the propeller.

Step:1
Measure the distance between each propeller.
Calculation space:

RESULT:

The propeller size is calculated for the given airframe and the propeller.
 Exp. No.:
Assembly of Drone
Date :

AIM:
To understand the concept and study the assembly of drone.

PROCEDURE:

1. Unpack all the components and make sure you have all the parts listed in the manual.
2. Install the propellers on the motors. Each motor has a clockwise and counterclockwise
propeller, make sure to install them in the right orientation.
3. Attach the landing gear to the bottom of the frame. Use screws to secure it in place.
4. Attach the motors to the arms of the frame using screws. Make sure they are facing the right
direction and that the motor wires are all pointing towards the center of the frame.
5. Attach the electronic speed controllers (ESCs) to the arms of the frame using zip ties. Connect
the motor wires to the corresponding ESCs.
6. Mount the flight controller onto the center of the frame. Connect the ESCs and other components
to the flight controller according to the manual.
7. Install the camera and the transmitter on the drone, if applicable. Secure them in place using screws
or zip ties.
8. Connect the battery to the power distribution board, then connect the power distribution board to
the flight controller.
9. Turn on the transmitter and the drone, making sure to follow the instructions in the manual
to calibrate the compass, accelerometer, and gyroscopes.
10. Test the drone to make sure everything is working properly. If necessary, adjust the PID settings
in the flight controller to fine-tune the drone's performance.

RESULT:

Thus, the drone components are assembled successfully.

 Exp. No.:
PID tuning in Drone
Date :

AIM:
To execute a program on PID tuning in drone.

PROGRAM:
Output
Output

RESULT:
PID tuning in drone was executed.
 Exp. No.:
Drone Calibration
Date :

AIM:
To study the calibration of drone in a step-by-step procedure.

PROCEDURE:
1. Make sure that the drone's battery is fully charged and that all the components are properly installed.
2. Find a flat and level surface to calibrate the drone, away from any metal objects or
electromagnetic interference.
3. Turn on the drone and the remote controller and ensure that they are connected.
4. Open the drone calibration app on your mobile device or computer and select the appropriate
calibration option (e.g. compass calibration, accelerometer calibration, or gyro calibration).
5. For compass calibration, hold the drone horizontally and rotate it around all three axes until the LED
lights on the drone start flashing rapidly. Place the drone on the ground and wait for the lights to
stop flashing.
6. For accelerometer calibration, place the drone on a flat surface and follow the instructions in the app
to calibrate each axis.
7. For gyro calibration, keep the drone on a flat surface and follow the instructions in the app to
calibrate each axis.
8. Once all the calibration steps are completed, check the drone's status in the app to make sure that
everything is calibrated correctly.
9. Test the drone in a safe and open area, making sure that it is flying straight and stable.

RESULT:
Thus the calibration of drone is studied.
 Exp. No.:
EXERCISE ON DRONE SIMULATION AND CONTROL
Date :

AIM:
To execute a program on drone simulation and control.

PROGRAM :
 Output

RESULT:
Drone Simulation and Control was executed.
 Exp. No.: Design and Fabricate Drone Propeller in 3D Printer

Date :

AIM:
To design and fabricate drone propeller in 3D print To design and fabricate drone propeller in 3D printer.

PROCEDURE:
1. Designing the Propeller:
 Use “ONSHAPE” software to create the drone propeller model.
 Pay close attention to the aerodynamic profile, size, pitch, and material properties during the design process.
2. Selecting the Material:
 Choose a suitable material for 3D printing the propeller.
 Common materials include:
PLA (Polylactic Acid): Suitable for lightweight and easy-to-print designs.
ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene): Offers greater strength and durability.
Nylon: Provides high strength and flexibility.
Carbon Fiber Composites: Ideal for lightweight and high-strength applications.
 Select the material based on factors such as strength, weight, and durability requirements.
3. Preparing the 3D Printer:
 Ensure the 3D printer is in good working condition and loaded with the chosen material.
 Calibrate the printer to ensure precise alignment and accurate printing.
4. Slicing the Model:
 Use slicing software (e.g., Cura, PrusaSlicer) to convert the 3D model into printable layers (slices).
 Adjust settings such as:
Layer height: For surface finish quality.
Infill density: For structural strength.
Printing speed: Based on the material and desired precision.
5. Printing the Propeller:
 Start the 3D printing process.
 Monitor the printer during operation to address issues like warping, adhesion problems, or filament jams.
6. Post-Processing:
 Once printing is complete, carefully remove the propeller from the build platform.
 Remove any support structures or additional materials added during the printing process.
 Perform light sanding if needed to smooth rough edges and ensure a good finish.
-
RESULT:
The drone propeller was successfully designed and fabricated using a 3D printer, adhering to the
specified aerodynamic and material properties.