UAS 213 Module 1: Introduction to sUAS Design Process

Vocabulary flashcards generated from Module 1 of the sUAS Design course covering key design process terminology, subsystems, maintenance levels, security standards, and flight algorithms.

sUAS

Small, Uncrewed Aerial Systems.

Use Case

A description of how a person or organization uses a product, system, or process to achieve a specific goal, outlining the steps taken and the resulting benefits.

Case Study

An in-depth analysis of a specific real-world scenario or project that examines its context, challenges, solutions, and outcomes.

Market Research

The process of gathering information about consumers' needs and preferences, primarily focusing on identifying unresolved challenges or issues within a targeted industry or application.

Purpose Statement

A concise statement defining an aircraft's operational purpose and objective using specific qualitative and quantitative goals.

Concept of Operations (CONOPS)

A comprehensive guidance document outlining a step-by-step plan for how an aircraft will be flown, maintained, and operated in its intended real-world applications.

Aircraft Design Matrix

A structured blueprint tool used by designers to organize, categorize, and evaluate design variables, features, and performance trade-offs across different options.

Airframe Subsystem

The structural framework or skeleton of an aircraft, consisting of components such as motor arms, body plates, and landing gear that support all onboard hardware.

Propulsion Subsystem

The combination of energy sources and lift-generating hardware—including motors, propellers, Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs), and power distribution boards—that power and move the aircraft.

Navigation Subsystem

The central control system comprising autopilot hardware and flight control software that processes navigation data and executes guidance commands.

Avionics Subsystem

The suite of electronic components controlled by or providing sensory information to the autopilot, such as GPS modules, airspeed sensors, LiDAR, and magnetometers.

Electronic Speed Controller (ESC)

An electronic component in the propulsion system that receives Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) commands from the autopilot to regulate motor speed and rotational timing.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)

A computer simulation methodology used extensively in aircraft design to model, analyze, and optimize airflow around aircraft bodies to refine lift, drag, and noise characteristics.

Empty Weight

The fixed base weight of an aircraft including the airframe, engines, avionics, and permanently installed equipment, excluding variable consumable items like liquid fuel or swappable payloads.

Maximum Gross Takeoff Weight (MGTOW)

The maximum total weight an aircraft can legally and physically weigh at certified takeoff, including its base structure, fuel, swappable sensors, and cargo payload.

Field-Level Maintenance

Routine maintenance and basic component removal/replacement performed on-site by operators using manufacturer-provided basic tools without complex troubleshooting.

Shop-Level Maintenance

Advanced overhaul and repair work performed by skilled technicians using specialized diagnostic tools to solve complex component-level issues in a workshop facility.

AES-256 Bit Radio Encryption

An Advanced Encryption Standard protocol that scrambles transmitted radio information into blocks using a 256-bit key, preventing unauthorized interception without the exact ciphertext key.

Transport Layer Security (TLS)

A cryptographic protocol that secures internet and wireless communication packets (such as UDP and TCP) using matching certificate authentication between sender and receiver.

Extended Kalman Filter (EKF)

An advanced estimation algorithm in autopilot firmware that fuses raw sensor data (gyro, accel, mag, GPS, barometer) to estimate position, velocity, and orientation while filtering out sensor bias.

Proportional, Integral, Derivative (PID) Controller

A three-term feedback control loop algorithm that continuously calculates orientation error values and applies gain corrections to motor outputs to maintain flight stability.

Attitude Heading Reference System (AHRS)

A navigation control system that uses processed IMU sensor measurements to calculate an aircraft's attitude angles, spatial orientation, and heading.

L1 Navigation Controller

A trajectory-following flight control algorithm that projectively tracks waypoints using an advance reference point ahead of the aircraft to determine turn radii and path convergence.

Total Energy Conservation System (TECS)

A flight efficiency control algorithm that balances potential and kinetic energy setpoints by coordinating throttle and pitch commands to optimize endurance and range.