3.4 Design for Transport
Designing a UAS to be lightweight and compact for transport is critical for ease of deployment, especially in remote or difficult-to-access areas. A smaller, lighter UAS reduces logistical challenges, enabling quicker mobilization, reduced transportation costs, and enhanced operational flexibility for various missions.
3.4.1 UAS All Up Weight
The maximum allowed all up weight of the team's UAS with all onboard Air Drop Objects is 45 LBs. This is inclusive all batteries, payloads, and systems that will be onboard the UAS in its maximum takeoff weight state during its mission demonstration. Max points will be given to UAS with an all up weight of 15 LBs or less.
3.4.2 UAS Volume
UAS should be designed so that can be disassembled/collapsed down to a state more compact than their in-flight state. Three sizing tiers will be used to score the UAS's ability to be transported in various common luggage sizes.
Personal Item (18 x 14 x 8 in)
Carry-On (22 x 14 x 9 in)
Check In (27 x 21 x 14 in)
Teams will be given up to five minutes to demonstrate their ability to unpack their UAS from a fully collapsed state to an in-flight state with motors and surface controls operating. Up to four personnel can be used for the unpacking process. If a team is unable to complete this process within the allotted time period or personnel restriction, they will not achieve any points related to this task.
3.4.3 Easy to Transport Batteries
UAS that are outfitted with batteries that are all <100 Wh in power capacity will receive additional points. There is no limit to the number of batteries that a UAS can be outfitted with. Each individually packaged battery onboard the UAS must be below the 100 Wh limit for this task.
3.4.4 Design for Transport Scoring
The Design for Transport task will be scored during the Safety Inspection via the following rubric. As shown, a maximum of 200 points will be given for this task.
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