Your team will design and build a quadcopter drone/UAS (uncrewed aircraft system) in order to complete the mission. You will select and purchase your own system components, based on the list of competition specifications provided in the UAS4STEM rule book upon registration
(Sample specifications are listed below, but refer to the rulebook for the most up-to-date information.)
Teams need to learn how to program an autopilot system, so that the tasks can be performed autonomously. As part of this process, students will complete an online ground school that covers basics of flight, safety, the national airspace, and more.
Teams competing in the Advanced Division then design and fabricate a custom mechanism for the drone to complete the specific mission challenge presented in the rule book.
Each team will need a laptop to function as a ground control station. This, combined with your quadcopter drone, will form a complete small uncrewed air system (sUAS) that will be operated by your team to complete the challenge.
Airframe specifications:
- Quadcopter configuration (4 motors)
- 625mm maximum frame size (measured from one side of an arm to the other)
- Additional processors are allowed, but must cost less than $250 USD.
- Autopilot system must cost less than $600 USD Manufacture Suggested Retail Price (MSRP), including the Global Positioning System (GPS) This is a retail cost, meaning that even if a more expensive autopilot is donated, it is not allowed. It does not have to be a Pixhawk variant, but still recommended
- Maximum of 8 channels These include 4 for the motors, leaving four open to be utilized as the team sees fit
- Maximum 4S 5200 battery size (any “C” rating) Batteries may be changed as often as necessary during the competition
- Maximum propeller size 11”
- Up to a 1080p video camera MSRP must be less than $100 USD
- Digital video is allowed Camera and receiver MSRP must be less than $300 USD combined
- Up to a 250mw video transmitter
- Any antenna may be used for the video feed system
- 2.4 Ghz RC control system. Any brand legal in the US
- One primary GCS – Meaning only 1 laptop allowed on the flight line
- Maximum of 2 video receivers allowed during the competition One can attach directly to the GCS
- Recommended telemetry radio RFD 900+
- One additional sensor may be utilized. Sensor must be less than $50 USD MSRP.
Drone Component Solutions
You may purchase any component that meets the requirements of the specifications within this rulebook. To purchase pre-packaged compliant drone components for UAS4STEM, visit www.quadzilladrone.com or www.readymaderc.com to learn more about available options.
