RAT

   

    The secondary air vehicle, the RAT, is a modified Great Planes Slinger.
It is a durable flying wing. Propulsion is a single E-flight 6 series motor (400
size). The plane weighs about 2 lbs. including all radio and power equipment, as
well as the B-pilot. Flight times are approximately 15 minutes. The flight
batteries used is a 3600 mAh, 3 cell LiPo. The RAT is modified with a more
powerful motor, the autopilot, structure to carry the rover, and more durable wings.

    A u-blox GPS module is used to determine altitude, heading, and other relevant
telemetry data. This information is then processed by a Basic Stamp II which pilots
the UAV through its specified waypoints.

    The RAT implements a horizon sensing technology which uses infrared sensors to
detect the temperature difference between the sky and ground. This information is
used to determine the degree of the plane's pitch and roll. The system always strives
to maintain level flight, so any attitude disturbances are corrected.

Weight: 2 pounds
Engine: E-flight 6 series motor (400 size)
Flight duration: 15 min with a 3600 mAh, 3 cell LiPo battery pack
Autonomous navigation via B-pilot, a custom compiled autopilot.