WPI’s Design Build Fly team sought to construct an RC airplane capable of competing in the competition of the same name. On the team, I had the chance to make use of my SOLIDWORKS and 3D printing schools to develop the nosecone, bomb release, and steerable landing gear for the plane. Throughout the project I also participated in the day to day construction of the vehicle, including soldering, foam cutting, and carbon fiber manufacturing.

For the nosecone of the plane, I designed both a 3D printable mold for carbon fiber and a 3D printed internal structure that would support a pitot tube sticking through the nosecone. With this, I had the chance to get my first experience laying carbon fiber, a skill I have continued to use since.

The competition required the plane to be able to drop various simulated bombs separately and independently, and I was responsible for the design and construction of these bomb drop mechanisms. To accomplish this, I designed a 3D printable hardpoint that contained a servo which, when actuated, would release a rubber band securing the simulated bomb.

As the final project I worked on for the team, I designed a steerable landing gear system. The design uses a single servo, and various 3d printed components and a single servo to steer the nose gear, and fits in a low profile allowing for access to various components from the front of the fuselage.

As a part of this project, I used and developed my skills in engineering design, SOLIDWORKS, finite element analysis, additive manufacturing, composite manufacturing, and electronic assembly.