Design and fabrication of a multi-terrain triphibian quadcopter for airborne, terrestrial, and aquatic mobility

Abstract Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have garnered significant attention lately for their prospective use in civilian and military surveillance, search and rescue missions, and related activities. The advancement of innovative drones proficient in traversing land, water, and air is a focal point of considerable interest. However, research in the development of a triphibian drone designed for freight transportation with improved structural integrity is inadequate. This study outlines the design, development, and performance evaluation of a novel triphibian quadcopter designed for autonomous operation over three distinct terrains. The system has a utility box with a capacity of 3 kg, making it suitable for short-range distribution. The drone is equipped with GPS navigation, anti-collision sensors, and autonomous stabilization algorithms that provide maneuverability and adaptability to various surroundings. To ensure the reliability of the mechanics, both static and dynamic structural simulations were conducted using ANSYS software. The results indicate that the load distribution on the aluminum frame and foam landing gear exhibits little deformation and satisfactory strength. The prototype functioned well, demonstrating its ability to traverse various terrains seamlessly and self-regulate with little structural degradation. The triphibian quadcopter establishes a robust basis for future research on constructing UAVs capable of operating in several environments. Its demonstrated efficacy indicates potential use in autonomous logistics, disaster relief operations, and military surveillance missions, where adaptability to various modes is crucial.