1. Load the H140 Hexacopter model.
2. Activate the exploded display mode by selecting "Display Mode" and then "Exploded" on the Viewer Pane's toolbar. Note: The exploded display mode shows each component that composes the UAS. Power connections between components are indicated as yellow lines, and control connections are purple.
3. Select each component. You will find its name on the bottom-right corner of the Viewer Pane. Based on your readings and resources provided thus far in the course, determine the purpose of each component and note how it interacts with other components.
4. Repeat the same process for the Q400 Fixed Wing UAV and the Q400 VTOL UAV.
5. Generate a one to two-page apa 7 format paper discussing the differences between how multicopter, fixed-wing, and VTOL aircraft are composed. Identify one real-world use for one of these UAS, and explain why you would choose that UAS for the job over the others.

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H140 Hexacopter

The hexacopter is mounted on a symmetrical frame, and each arm is usually 60 degrees. The hexacopter has more motors to increase power and stability than the quadrotor. In the exploded view, the UAV has several components that all function together to achieve flight. First is the hub, which acts as a connecting point for all significant components. The Battery compartment is on the hub, where the battery is inserted to apply power to the UAV. An essential element is the flight controller, which manages the motor speeds via ESCs, supply steering, trigger cameras, or other payloads (Drone for Beginners, 2020). The six-engine speed controllers are an electronic circuit designed to adjust an electric motor's speed and direction.

The ESCs are connected to the motor through the UAV Boom Arms, which mount the motor and the props used for take-off, landing, and basic flight maneuvers. Also mounted on the hub is the option for a gimbaled camera payload used for surveillance or reconnaissance. As well as landing gear to allow the UAV to take off and land on flat surfaces. This drone could benefit law enforcement or SWAT teams. With its lightweight, rapid deployment, ease of manipulation, and camera payload. This would be the right tool to quickly identify an active crime scene where time is a factor.

Q400 Fix-Wing UAV

The Q400 fixed-wing UAV has several components. The main component is the fuselage, with several internal and external components. External to the fuselage are two rear landing gears and one nose landing gear used to take off and land on runways. Also attached are the wings; at the wing tips are the aileron servos, which are used to control the ailerons, which control the UAV along its longitudinal axis. The tail section with the elevator and rudder is attached via the left and right boom arms. The right and left rudder and elevator servo control the rudder and elevator on the tail section, which controls the UAV on its lateral and vertical. A stabilized payload camera in the nose is also used for aerial reconnaissance or surveillance. Internal to the fuselage is the fuel tank, which supplies fuel to the motor that drives the prop; the throttle or speed is controlled via the throttle servo. Fixed-winged UAVs offer an increased flight time, which makes this the ideal asset for long-range or endurance surveillance flights.

Q400 VTOL UAV

VTOL drones combine multi-rotor agility with the efficiency of fixed-wing UAVs (Pilot Institute, 2024). The fuselage, wings, landing gear, boom arms, and rudder and elevator assembly are designed identically to the fixed-wing UAV. This specific UAV has four engine speed controllers, which connect the motor, the battery, and the flight controller, whose primary purpose is to change the speed and direction of the drone. This allows the VTOL UAV to achieve vertical take-off and landings. The fuel tank feeds fuel to the motor, which is regulated by the throttle servo, allowing the UAV to transition from vertical to forward flight. Once in forward flight, the flight control servos allow for controllability along the UAV's vertical, longitudinal, and lateral axis through its flight control surfaces. The ability of the VTOL drone to transition from hover to forward flight allows the UAV to be a more expeditionary asset. This drone would be best used when missions require minimum manning and support gear but still require a more extended endurance flight that multirotor UAVs cannot achieve.

References:

Drones for Beginners. (2020, May 30th). A Drone's Components: Guide for Beginners. https://droneforbeginners.com/drones-components/

Pilot Institute. (2024, Dec 1st). Everything You Need to Know About VTOL Drones. https://pilotinstitute.com/everything-about-vtol-drones/