Modular Payload Bay for Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Project goal: To design and build a cylindrical modular payload bay for a generic unmanned aircraft system. The payload bay accommodates three different but interchangeable payload modules that each use a different communication protocol and have individual functions. This modular system allows the operator to quickly change the configuration to match mission requirements. The design required trading material selection and design concepts to create a payload structure that can survive the shock of a hard landing while being as light as possible. Use of finite element analysis optimized the weight and strength of the structure. The software written allows the payload bay computer to recognize which slots in the payload bay have modules and which communication protocol each module is using. The payload bay computer communicates with each module individually or with all three simultaneously. A prototype bay was built and tested.