Project Details

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Modular Autonomous Payload Deployment System for Rotorcraft

Company: The Boeing Company

Major(s):
Primary: ME
Secondary: CMPEN
Optional: CMPSC, EE, ESC

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Overview: Develop a scalable, Modular Open Systems Architecture (MOSA)-compliant subsystem capable of autonomously deploying and recovering small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) payloads—commonly called Launched Effects—from a rotorcraft platform. The project will include mechanical design of the deployment/recovery mechanism, development of control and autonomy software, and integration with a modular interface enabling future enhancements or payload swaps. Expected Deliverables: 1. Mechanical Prototype: Scaled functional deployment mechanism (e.g., launcher and payload cradle) demonstrating physical release and recovery actions. 2. Embedded Control System: MOSA-enabled hardware controller programmed for autonomous sequencing, sensor data handling, and communication. 3. Autonomy Software Module: Algorithms for pre-launch checks, safe payload release, and recovery sequencing simulated in software or run on prototype hardware. 4. MOSA Interface Documentation: Specifications and example implementation for modular hardware/software integration and communication. 5. Test Plan and Validation Results: Test cases demonstrating deployment reliability, autonomy operation, and system integration on physical or simulated hardware.