Aether UAV

Aether UAV is a project to design and build an environmental monitoring UAV with autonomous capabilities. This includes supporting infrastructure, allowing the UAV to be specifically aimed at airborne particulate monitoring and environmental monitoring. The project aims to be able to provide a suitable platform for operation within these fields. Aims: To define a business case for the UAS. To define the requirements for such a UAS. To design and manufacture a UAV that fits the requirements. To develop an on-board system capable of controlling the aircraft autonomously. To develop a ground station for the purposes of control and communication. To utilise innovative new technologies, materials & techniques.   What we need and what to expect in return: Our goal is to raise a minimum of £500 to supplement the money already invested into this project by the University of Hertfordshire. Any further funding will be actively used to research new technologies to push the limit of operation of this UAV across all fields such as communication, range, operating parameters and innovation. The money will be used to support the project in the following areas outlined below: Aircraft systems: Systems on average represent 80% of the cost of any new aircraft. In Aether UAV we are committed to equipping the UAV with the latest equipment. Money will go towards the power generation system and the communication system. The ultimate goal is to be able to fund an iridium satellite constellation link for truly worldwide operation with data feed rates of up to 100Mbps. Satellite uplink will enable us to unleash the full potential of the UAV's engine and its truly long range flight time of up to 8 hours. Other systems on board the UAV will be optimised greatly with the help of your funding.Ground station: Part of the money will go towards finalising the UAV's ground station with a built in dedicated antenna tracker for improved communication performance and reliability. The ground station will be run via 4 laptops provided by sponsors and will have its own dedicated power supply.Structures: Aircraft construction materials, fuselage and wing components, control surfaces and carbon fibre UAV skin.Administration: Team travel for flight testing, sponsor visits, site visits, launch events and other documentation and administration as required for aircraft operations.Advertisement: A portion of the money raised will go towards further advertisement to help further increase the awareness and popularity of this UAV.Engine: Your sponsor money will help fund further optimisation of the AIE engine by helping increase the testing time as well as purchasing a more advanced ECU which will greatly increase the operating altitude of the UAV. Extra money will be used to enhance the overall performance by installing a turbo charger and a variable pitch propeller.All contributions will be received with the greatest appreciation by all team members involved and the University of Hertfordshire. Additionally, every donor will receive memorabilia and recognition for their contributions to the Aether UAV project