The Development of a Prototype Trainer Aircraft/Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

The use of generic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is getting common as its small size can easily replace bulky aerial vehicle such as helicopters and airplanes in performing surveillance missions. Spacious room is need to store the UAV and the cost for a generic UAV is relatively high and seldom be owned by normal commercials and industries other than military. The study produced a detachable, light weight, hand launched and low-cost generic unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The UAV components were designed to be attachable for launching to perform surveillance activity and detachable for easy storage in small space after service. UAV was manufactured low-cost fiber materials to mold the fuselage. A pair of male and female mold was constructed and the shape of the fuselage was imitated using flexible fiber material. Epoxy cohesive and hardener were used to harden and sustain the shape of the fuselage during the molding process. Finishing was done on the new molded fuselage to refine the aerodynamics flow around the body. The UAV was tested and results showed a satisfactory stability performance.