Students of Novosibirsk State Technical University (NETI) have developed a capsule for cargo transportation by dropping from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Due to its unique design, the capsule has a minimal scattering radius, which ensures high accuracy of delivery. A patent has already been obtained for the invention.
Initially, the authors of the development focused on the delivery of medicines to a person in an emergency situation, but later came to the conclusion that the capsule is suitable for transporting any cargo corresponding to its useful volume. The useful volume and maximum load capacity are determined by the characteristics of the UAV.
When analyzing other patents, it was revealed that the main shapes of the delivery case are either rectangular or square, which has a bad effect on flight aerodynamics. The key feature of the NSTU-NETI device is its teardrop shape, which is one of the most aerodynamically effective in subsonic flight. It is important that the center of mass and the center of pressure remain on the same axis. Under external influences, such as crosswinds or adverse weather conditions, these parameters compensate for each other and align the object, preventing it from deviating from the set direction. The capsule is attached to a UAV (mainly helicopter type) through slots in the base.
As one of the developers, Arina Sheptunova, a 3rd-year student of the Faculty of Aircraft at NSTU-NETI, noted, the accuracy of cargo delivery is important when carrying out rescue operations, providing emergency assistance in emergency situations, for example, helping the wounded who cannot move. "We have carried out theoretical calculations confirming the advantage of the teardrop shape. During the tests, when dropping cargo from a hundred—meter height, with a rectangular shape, the dispersion was about 10 meters, with a teardrop shape — only 3 meters," Arina explained.
"The capsule is collapsible, its components are: a base with a tail, special slots for attachment to the UAV and a lower hemisphere with ballast. The tail balances and stabilizes the body during flight, and the ballast performs the same role. Inside the capsule is a soft material to protect fragile goods that require maximum care during delivery. These are, for example, ampoules with solutions for injection or medicines. You can transport anything that fits into a useful volume," said Alexander Pyatkin, a 4th—year student of the Faculty of Aircraft at NSTU-NETI, also one of the authors of the development.
According to him, the size of the capsule can be changed for a specific request, while maintaining its aerodynamic shape. The materials for the capsule can be selected depending on what will be transported. To date, a 3D model of the capsule has been created.
Earlier, NSTU-NETI developed a prototype of a protective structure for drones. Protection will allow you to save the aircraft after falling from a height.