In the development of a precision crop-dusting UAS, two subsystem teams (Guidance, Navigation & Control, along with Payload delivery) have decided to purchase off-the-shelf hardware in an attempt to save costs. In result, both teams have ended up going over their originally allotted weight budgets. Each team suggests that the other team reduce the weight to compensate. At this point, the UAS will not be able to carry sufficient weight to spread the specified amount of fertilizer without cutting into the fuel margin. The safety engineers are uncomfortable with the idea of changing the fuel margin at all.
In playing the role of a Systems Engineer, I would go about resolving this issue in a few different ways. First a Systems Engineer has to acquire all the current information about the dilemma in order to fully gauge the situation (Platt, 2011). I need to compare the customers’ requirements and the design/assembly capabilities of the company to where the current development of the UAS is at. The engineer will need to listen to both subsystem teams in order to hear all of their concerns (Platt, 2011). Communication is vital to fully understanding the two teams conflicting requests.
Once all of the information is gathered, potential solutions need to be addressed. It is important to annotate and research every possible solution that is brainstormed. Sometimes even an idea that seems like a waste will evolve into something that is worthwhile. A Systems Engineer needs to develop a list of priorities to tackle in order to create a set timeline as to not get off track (Platt, 2011).
In regards to this case, I believe there are multiple solutions that should be considered and researched further. The biggest issues with this dilemma are that neither team wants to compromise in their weight allowances and we’re not able to change the fuel margin. Since both teams have agreed to use off-the-shelf components, I would suggest that further research goes into what components are available.
One of the easiest ways to reduce the weight of a product is to build it with different (lighter) materials (Qantas, n.d.). Instead of a fiberglass or metal airframe, a carbon fiber construction may prove worthwhile.Even though the typical costs associated with more advanced materials are higher, the production costs could potentially be offset by a decrease in development costs. Additionally, I would research the engine/fuel components. A more efficient motor or propeller design may reduce weight and fuel consumption (Qantas, n.d.). Future generations may even have the capability to implement a hybrid type engine that utilizes a battery system during reduced throttle operation (Oliver, 2012). The weight of the batteries might offset the weight of the fuel needed and could potentially reduce operating costs at the same time.
Depending on how far along in the design/development phase the company is in, modifications to the airframe may be the future roadmap for the next generation of the UAS. Advanced aerodynamic engineering would contribute to less wind resistance, allowing the aircraft to cover more area. Also, an assisted launch mechanism could be implemented in order to reduce the fuel consumption of the aircraft trying to reach cruising speed from a standstill takeoff.
There are many potential solutions that an engineer will not be able to make an educated decision on which is best until they have reviewed all of the data pertaining to the solution in question. I think the most important thing is to prioritize the process by each step necessary and work each problem in collaboration with the whole design team. Just because these two systems are the ones in question, does not mean that modifications made to them will not affect other components of the UAS. Good communication between all parties is the best way to come to a compromise that will still produce acceptable results.
References
Oliver, S. (2012, August 3). Take A Multifaceted Power Approach To Reduce Your UAV’s Weight.Retrieved April 6, 2014, from electronicdesign.com: http://electronicdesign.com/power/take-multifaceted-power-approach-reduce-your-uav-s-weight
Platt, J. (2011, November). Career Focus: Systems Engineering.Retrieved April 6, 2014, from todaysengineer.org: http://www.todaysengineer.org/2011/nov/career-focus.asp
Qantas. (n.d.). Fuel Efficiency at Qantas. Retrieved April 6, 2014, from qantas.com:http://www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/fuel/global/en
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