Design of Aerial Delivery System

The development of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has transformed distribution and logistics networks by making it possible for payloads to be transported effectively and independently. The goal of this project is to design an Aerial Delivery System (ADS) that combines autonomous flight capabilities, an optimized drop-off mechanism, and drone simulation methodologies. To verify important performance metrics like thrust-to-weight ratio, time of flight, and range, a quadcopter with a 450 mm frame size was chosen, and its flight dynamics were simulated using SimNet and eCalc. To increase the effectiveness of automated deliveries, a mechanical drop-off device was designed to guarantee accurate payload release at land zones. Simulation results validated the drone's capacity to maintain stable flight with varied weights, with a thrust-to-weight ratio of 2.2 and a flying time of 8.8 minutes. However, software limitations caused by access restrictions precluded more complex simulations, which could have provided more optimization insights. Future recommendations include using a MATLAB-based control system to increase aircraft stability and adaptive algorithms to improve performance under turbulent circumstances. This study highlights the potential for integrating UAV technology into autonomous delivery systems, laying the groundwork for future breakthroughs in aerial logistics and automation.