Bangalore students look at new autopiloting ideas

After successfully bagging a podium finish at the Student Unmanned Air Systems Competition in the US, this five-member student team from MS Ramaiah Institute of Technology (MSRIT) is now looking at developing an indigenous autopilot to guide their unmanned air vehicle (UAV) in future competitions.

These students from the MSRIT’s department of mechanical engineering, who came third in autonomous flight (autopilot system on the UAV) at the international competition held earlier this year in Maryland, USA, are now developing their own autopilot system following a ban on the import of the system.
“We used paparazzi autopilots during the completion in the US.

However, as the import of autopilots has stopped, we have decided to develop our own autopilot and integrate it to our UAV for future competitions and also when it is used for societal application missions,” said Prasanna Raghunathan, team vice-captain.

Raghunathan added that apart from developing an indigenous autopilot, the team is also considering using composites on the UAV.

Stressing on the need for more funds, he said, “Although our college have been supporting us, these additional features, especially the autopilot, would require more funds.”

Prior to participating in the Student Unmanned Air Systems competition, the students faced several problems due to lack of financial support. Fortunately, they somehow managed to get sponsors from the corporate sector as well as their fellow students. One student had sponsored `1 lakh and another had sponsored the team the apparel for the competition.