(SEM VIII) THEORY EXAMINATION 2023-24 FUNDAMENTALS OF DRONE TECHNOLOGY

SECTION A

(2 Marks × 10 = 20 | Very Short Answers)

a. Factors influencing drone design
Drone design is influenced by mission requirements, payload capacity, endurance, aerodynamics, weight distribution, power source, cost, and regulatory constraints.

b. Classification of drones
Drones are classified based on size, range, altitude, endurance, wing configuration, and application such as surveillance, agriculture, or logistics.

c. Applications of drones
Drones are used in agriculture, surveillance, mapping, disaster management, photography, logistics, and infrastructure inspection.

d. Airframe configurations
Common airframe configurations include fixed-wing, rotary-wing (quad-copter, hex-copter), and hybrid VTOL configurations.

e. Role of autopilot in drones
Autopilot controls flight stabilization, navigation, altitude, speed, and executes pre-programmed missions without human intervention.

f. Power supply to drone avionics
Power is supplied using batteries (Li-Po/Li-ion), power distribution boards, voltage regulators, and sometimes solar or fuel cells.

g. Working of PID controllers
PID controllers maintain stability by minimizing error using proportional, integral, and derivative control actions.

h. Types of payloads
Payloads include cameras, sensors, communication modules, delivery mechanisms, and scientific instruments.

i. Waypoint navigation
Waypoint navigation allows drones to fly autonomously through predefined GPS coordinates.

j. Importance of ground testing
Ground testing ensures safety, detects faults, verifies system performance, and prevents in-flight failures.

SECTION B

(Attempt any THREE | 10 Marks each)

2(a) History of UAV drones and key milestones

The history of UAVs dates back to World War I with early radio-controlled aircraft. During World War II, drones were used for training and reconnaissance. The Cold War era introduced advanced surveillance UAVs like the Predator. Modern UAVs use GPS, AI, autonomous navigation, lightweight materials, and advanced sensors, making drones commercially viable for civilian applications.

2(b) Airframe configurations and their impact on flight performance

Fixed-wing drones offer long endurance and high speed but require runways. Rotary-wing drones provide vertical takeoff, hovering, and precise maneuvering but have limited flight time. Hybrid VTOL drones combine advantages of both, offering flexibility and efficiency.

2(c) Power supply requirements and challenges

UAV power systems must be lightweight, reliable, and efficient. Batteries supply energy to motors, avionics, and payloads. Challenges include limited battery capacity, thermal management, voltage regulation, and endurance optimization.

2(d) Payload types in UAV drones

Payloads include optical cameras, thermal sensors, LiDAR, communication relays, and delivery units. Payload choice affects drone endurance, stability, and mission effectiveness.

2(e) Simulation and analysis in drone performance evaluation

Simulation tools evaluate aerodynamics, control behavior, power consumption, and mission success under different scenarios. They reduce development cost and improve reliability before real-world deployment.

SECTION C

3(a) Classification of drones based on size, range, and capability

Drones are classified as nano, micro, small, medium, and large UAVs. Short-range drones are used for photography and surveillance, while long-range drones support military and logistics missions. Capability-based classification includes autonomous, semi-autonomous, and remotely piloted drones.

3(b) Applications of drones in various industries

In agriculture, drones monitor crops and spray pesticides. In surveillance, they enhance security and border monitoring. In logistics, drones support fast delivery and supply chain efficiency.

4(a) Design standards and regulations in India

Drone operations in India are governed by DGCA rules, Drone Rules 2021, airspace classification, registration requirements, remote pilot licensing, and safety compliance.

4(b) Factors influencing drone design decisions

Key factors include aerodynamics, weight balance, mission duration, payload type, environmental conditions, and operational constraints.

5(a) Components of an autopilot system

An autopilot system includes flight controller, sensors, GPS, communication modules, actuators, and control algorithms that manage aircraft stability and navigation.

5(b) Sensors used in UAV drones

Common sensors include accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, AGL sensors, servos, and magnetometers for motion sensing and control.

6(a) Telemetry in UAV drones

Telemetry enables real-time transmission of flight data such as altitude, speed, battery level, and GPS position between drone and ground station.

6(b) Importance of PID feedback control

PID feedback ensures stable flight, accurate positioning, smooth maneuvering, and quick response to disturbances.

7(a) Challenges in autonomous navigation & solutions

Challenges include GPS errors, obstacle detection, weather conditions, and sensor noise. Solutions involve sensor fusion, AI-based navigation, redundancy, and real-time data processing.

7(b) Ground control software features

Ground control software enables mission planning, waypoint setup, real-time monitoring, data logging, flight control, and post-mission analysis.