The capability of commercial off-the-shelf 3D printers has increased rapidly over the past few years, and the ability to design, print and assemble sUAS could save academic institution resources and provide students excellent training.
Project Details
Multirotor sUAS have limited endurance, range and payload carrying capabilities. Recently, the ability to print fixed-wing sUAS platforms from commercial-off-the-shelf 3D printers have lowered the barrier to entry for meeting the demands from industry with systems that are low cost and can carry electro-optical and thermal infrared sensors, multispectral and LIDAR sensors. Additionally, the advent of fixed-wing full motion video (FMV) capable drones has ushered in a new era of educational possibilities. The integration of 3D-printed fixed wing sUAS in the online classroom presents several opportunities.
Research Team
Principal Investigators
Joseph Cerreta
Associate Professor and Chief of Standardization and Training
- Department of Flight
- Worldwide College of Aviation
CO-Investigators
Scott S. Burgess
Professor and Chief of U.S. Flight Operations
- Department of Flight
- Worldwide College of Aviation