System Design and Integration of a Rapid Response Payload Delivery Vehicle Using Commercial Off-The-Shelf Components

This study involved the integration and implementation of multiple commercial off-the-shelf components into a rapid response payload delivery vehicle powered by a solid rocket motor. This work was motivated by the need to establish a proportional response to combat the presence of low-cost drone swarm technologies. Previous work was leveraged including flight data, system designs, and flight models to obtain the first objective of implementing a Raspberry Pi microprocessor, increasing the control loop response from 30 to 100Hz and improving the overall data acquisition attained from each flight. A proportional-derivative controller was then designed to successfully provide roll stabilization and heading during flight. Secondly, a nose-mounted camera system was implemented to serve as a lofted targeting hub to investigate the feasibility of tracking drone swarms and guiding submunitions. Multiple tests conclude that aerodynamic stabilization will be required to dampen the effects of the targeting hub oscillations during target acquisition. Lastly, this study allowed for the design, development, and evaluation of a mechanism for stable separation of rocket stages at high terminal velocities by incorporating a hybrid system of a mechanical release and carbon dioxide chamber pressurization.