The ARVL experience of creating and experimenting with different UAS designs was extraordinary, yet at times frustrating. I marveled at the various design laboratories that facilitated the complete buildup and flight test of selected UAS. The assembly lab offered the ability to select and evaluate many UAS components, so that an optimal platform can be designed to meet the requirements specific to assigned mission taskings.
Regarding performance, ARVL affords the trial-and-error methodology to achieve desired goals. The powerplant, optics, dynamics, and communication laboratories grant the option of comparing input and output parameters. However, some of the information presented in the labs were nonapplicable to the scope of this course. For example, in the dynamic’s lab, changing the X, Y, and Z amplitude and frequency is represented by the sine wave and motion of shake table but seems to provide little insight as to how this data is beneficial to end users such as myself and others enrolled in ASCI 638.
The missions offered in ARVL are detailed and provide great feedback to the operator, such as whether selected altitude is sufficient to meet obstacle clearance. The missions provide an introductory insight as how the UAV interacts with the scenario environment, and so far has been the only type of hands-on UAS experience I have received.
ASCI 638 HUMAN FACTORS IN UNMANNED AEROSPACE SYSTEMS 