Payload Release System

One of the unique features of our UAV is that it is capable of holding and releasing a 1kg payload during flight. The principle of operation is summarised in the diagram to the right.

Essentially the payload is contained within a structure during flight and a pin controlled by a servo holds this structure in place.

When the payload has to be released, the servo pulls the pin out, allows the structure to rotate outwards and makes the payload slide out. So that the drag is minimised during this process, an automated mechanical system was created that would pull the structure back into its original position as soon as the payload is released.

This is achieved by carefully selected springs which are weak enough to allow the structure to rotate outwards under the payload weight, but strong enough to pull the structure back up.