Project Details

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Upgraded Tracking Gimbal for Aerial Demonstrations

Company: Lockheed Martin

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

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Lockheed Martin uses a variety of sensors and tracking equipment to monitor developmental aircraft undergoing test flights. Information collected fuels the engineering teams as they pursue advances in aviation. Technology used during testing ranges from handheld cameras to million dollar tracking systems. To support demonstrations within line of sight, we are partnering with PSU to develop a semi-automated tracking gimbal to aid our videography team. The gimbal system is planned to mimic the inputs of a videographer – point camera, adjust zoom, adjust focus, capture image – with an electromechanically controlled system. This setup will provide a stable base for capturing test flight footage while reducing operator fatigue from holding a ~5 lb camera. This semester, students will build upon a successful tracking gimbal developed in the Fall 2025 semester. The current system is tested and validated to meet 34 requirements, creating an excellent foundation to develop new capabilities. Students will develop a testbed to transmit enhanced GPS data to the tracking system, which will then be used to implement velocity-based control tracking. Upgrades to the system are intended to improve tracking control, reduce latency, automate zoom capability, and potentially include AI/ML tracking. This project will be a multidisciplinary project requiring team with software, electrical, testing, and mechanical skills to be successful.