Propulsion / Avionics

The propulsion mechanism and avionics are the same as Prototype V1. The only difference now is the size of our balloon, which is designed to accommodate more helium and thus generate more lift. Now that we have a functional and buoyant balloon, it is time to integrate our avionics onto it. Based on our calculations on moments about the balloon’s centre of gravity, we had a rough idea of how to position the components. Expectedly, they were not 100% accurate due to the curvy and non-rigid nature of the balloon. We found that transparent tape was extremely adhesive to Mylar and we plan to use it to confirm the positioning in the final product. Masking tapes would suffice for now.

Flight

Maiden Flight

 

Using our new balloon with the same propulsion and pitching mechanism (bladder mechanism), we managed to fly for the first time.

 

Post-Flight Review

From our trials, the bladder mechanism was ineffective in helping our blimp pitch up or down. Our balloon was not taut enough and the rotational energy from the bladder is absorbed by the shifting Mylar, which resulted in small moments about the CG. We decided to move away from the bladder mechanism and instead, develop a new pitching mechanism using the propellers. This meant that the propellers would be in full control of the blimp (throttle, yawing, pitching).

Path deviation was also observed which is likely to be caused by the torque produced by the single propeller. Another propeller would be added to counter the torque.

Balloon

Shape: Ellipsoidal
Dimemsions: 180cm x 106cm
Number of Mylar pieces: 3
Seal: Double-sealed with contact adhesive
Lift: 2.374N (242 grams)

This balloon has more than enough lift to carry our electrical components and thus, counterweights had to be used to achieve buoyancy. We were also considering the addition of a payload, such as a speaker to allow for one-way communication.