Search & Rescue Flying Tank: Prototype Mk2

We decided to use acrylic sheets as the supporting structure as it is sturdy if they are small enough. As for increasing the tension of the tank tracks, an adjustable arm for one pulley had to be designed. As for the tank track pulleys, we decided to 3D print them. The 3D print filament, PLA, is lightweight but can be strong if the parts are 3D printed with sufficient support structures. We have also scaled the 2 top pulleys to be about 2.5 times bigger than the smaller pulleys so that there is a larger angle between the top and bottom pulleys for the tank track to follow. This allows the tank to climb over obstacles easier due to the principle of moments acting greater in our favor.

We tested the movement of Prototype Mark II and it moved smoother compared to Prototype Mark I. The overall structure does not bend as much as the support structure we installed helped in rigidifying the frame.

As we moved on with the flight test, we had difficulty lifting off from the ground. A major problem faced was that the motor-propeller pairing was supposed to be able to generate 6kg of thrust, however, despite the overall drone weighing about 3kg, it was not able to liftoff due to the airflow being impacted by the acrylic support structure.