Design Objective:
Design and build a landing array and computer enclosure for an unmanned helicopter. The assembly must be lightweight and protect the helicopter and computer in the event of a crash. The components are to be shipped in pieces so they must be easily assembled.

Design Solution:
The landing array is built by bending lightweight aluminum tubing. The onboard computer is mounted inside the enclosure which is then suspended by wire to isolate it from impact forces. A re-bending jig was also designed to bend crashed frames into a usable form.

Result:
The array protected the computer equipment after a computer error forced an unpowered crash landing from 10 meters in the air. The design was also featured on the Discovery Channel.

Links:
Waterloo Aerial Robotics Group
International Aerial Robotics Competiton

Time: 4 weeks
Tools: Solidworks, machine shop, milling machine, pipe benders, lathe, saws
Team: (mechanical manager), intern