Comparative Analysis of Strength in Contrasting Landing Gear

The Mega Drone project is a combined effort of a team of engineers to restore a 6 ft by 8 ft Coaxial Hexacopter after it had sustained damage from multiple crashes in previous test flights. It was concluded that an incorrectly tuned Proportional-Integral-Derivative (P.I.D) controller was responsible for the crashes. The portion of the drone sustaining the most damage was the landing gear. It is now proposed that a redesign of previous landing gear, including geometric changes along with the material, will increase the longevity of the Mega Drone landing system. This paper will compare a helicopter-inspired model with the drone's original landing gear. In addition, materials will be compared for use according to their cost, added weight, and durability. All designs will be tested with artificial force loads applied to the landing gears by a force press. Our work aims to not only restore the Mega Drone but to enhance its durability for future tests in the following semesters, using an alternate form of landing gear.