PROJECT OVERVIEW

Working with a small engineering team, I designed and built a lightweight drone hovercraft to navigate a prescribed obstacle course while meeting speed and lifting requirements. The project integrated aerodynamic design, lightweight structures, fabrication, embedded controls, and real-time data acquisition.

AERODYNAMIC ANALYSIS

I used CFD analysis to evaluate the pressure differential generated beneath the hovercraft and verify that the air cushion could provide sufficient lift.

SYSTEMS INTEGRATION

I developed embedded software for real-time data acquisition, processing, control, and communications, integrating the mechanical and electronic systems required to operate and monitor the vehicle.

DESIGN EVALUATION

I evaluated alternative vehicle configurations using lift-to-power ratio as a performance metric. The analysis supported selection of the proposed hovercraft configuration based on its predicted lifting efficiency.

TESTING & OUTCOME

I conducted multiple tests of the completed hovercraft to evaluate performance and refine its operation. The final system achieved its target speed and lifting capacity and successfully completed the prescribed obstacle course.

TARGET SPEED ✓ | LIFT REQUIREMENT ✓ | OBSTACLE COURSE ✓