Pagnotta Engineering, Inc. (PEI) was awarded redesign development with the goal of reducing the shuttle’s weight by 25% but increasing payload capacity. The weight reduction, and thus inertia reduction, allows for additional payload without changes to the UAV launch ramp system.

Project Overview:
UAV Launch Shuttle Redesign using Composite Materials

Customer:
Vector Composites (for AAI Textron and US Army)

Services Performed:

• Developed conceptual candidate designs (3D CAD)
• Evaluated pro and cons of each design considering strength, cost, manufacturability, and reliability
• Completed development of best design option including FE analysis (strength and fatigue) and preparation of all manufacturing drawings
• Supported preliminary and critical design reviews
• Supported first article build and testing

The redesigned shuttle weights only 75% of the original and increases its payload capacity by making use of carbon fiber composite materials.