Aeronautics has entered 2021 with a more dynamic and versatile personality, while its enhanced capabilities allow the project to set a list of S.M.A.R.T and exciting goals.
First of all, the project has managed to arm itself with numerous, new capable members, who are to significantly facilitate the process of R&D (Research & Design). A very important achievement over the past year has been the successful design of the Anemone aircraft, which is currently under construction. Moreover, Anemone’s contribution is not solely confined into the future as a platform for conducting experiments, due to the extensive research of Aeronautics. The role of the latter is to provide the members of the Aerodynamics, Structural and Avionics subsystems with valuable training, which is bound to be proven useful for the development of future projects.
Anemone’s important feature is the distinctive shape of the fuselage, which is designed from airfoils, thus reducing the drag of the aircraft and not affecting the lift distribution of the main wing. Yet, the research did not stop there, as the Project looked deeper into novel methods of construction and sensory systems applicability. The newly fabricated sensors system will be able to precisely calculate metrics of velocity, altitude, acceleration, dynamic and atmospheric pressure, as well as pinpoint the exact location of the aircraft’s signal.
A remarkable achievement of the project is its acceptance once again in the international aeronautics competition, Air Cargo Challenge. The competition will not take place in 2021 as it was expected, but was postponed for 2022 in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as the occurring epidemic crisis does not allow its safe conduction. Aeronautics however, aims to achieve a new milestone, as the design and the construction of the vehicle will continue normally. Despite the recent updates we are looking forward to participating in the Air Cargo Challenge of 2022 with an aircraft fully prepared to overtake every challenge!
Last but not least, the Project is developing its new UAV which will be caring out humanitarian and environmental operations such as timely tracking wildfires, thus preventing dangers from fully escalating in the society. What adds to the excitement is that the UAV will be powered by solar radiation, by methods that the Project is reviewing. The auto pilot of the solar UAV is soon to be finished as members have already conducted research and tested the appropriate hardware. Meanwhile, the team is studying new ways of receiving live data from the aircraft.
Aeronautics has once again brought to the fore significant achievements, continues to develop its competency and hopes 2021 will be even more efficient!
