PFR - Aerospace Engineering Sciences Senior Design Projects ...

Project Final Report – CUDBF April 30 th , 2009
ASEN 4028: Aerospace Senior Projects
With this analysis complete, 14AWG wire was chosen because it proved to be the lowest weight
option. The 32 amp continuous rating will ensure that the wire will not overheat, and short 40
amp bursts will be handled by the wire.
9.1.5 Fuse
Competition rules state that the propulsion system must contain a 40 amp fuse placed such that
no portion of the propulsion system sees more than 40 amps of continuous current. A Cooper-
Bussmann [29] ATC style 40 amp blade fuse was chosen to meet this requirement. The fuse is
rated for 40 amps of continuous current, with up to 80 amps in short bursts less than 10 seconds.
The fuse will be placed just behind the battery pack right before the power splits to both motors.
This will allow the fuse to be easily accessible from the top of the wing for easy arming and
disarming. An image of the fuse is shown in Figure 80.
Figure 80: 40 Amp Fuse
9.2 Avionics Electrical Design Elements
9.2.1 Avionics Electrical Overview
The overall responsibility of the avionics subsystem is to implement the communication system
between the pilot and the plane and to use a telemetry system to record the necessary flight
characteristics.
The communication system will consist of a transmitter and receiver that will be able to control
the servos that are connected to the control surfaces, electronic speed controllers, microcontroller
and the releasable payloads. Figure 81 illustrates that six channels will be required for the
transmitter and receiver. Four channels will be utilized to control the aircraft, one will be needed
for the payload release system, and the last channel will be used to control the propulsion system.
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