3/18: The Final Dry Runs

This week, the team focused exclusively on full dry runs for both of our systems. We fully intend to finally fly operations next week, as the weather is improving. Thus, this week is effectively assurance that we are mission capable. To simulate the missions as much as possible, we started the simulation in the lab and proceeded to complete our simulations outside. This was done to simulate packing, per-operational considerations, and transportation. Essentially, we left nothing untested. To start the dry run, we performed the full pre-flight packing procedure and planning steps for both our flagship aircraft, the M600 and C-Astral Bramor (Figure 1). In lab, we also drew flight areas, discussed hypothetical missions, checked weather (which would have been out of limitations, so we modified them to be within limitations for the run), and other miscellaneous tasks that may be necessary for field missions.

Figure 1: Running through the packing checklists for both aircraft involved in the dry run.

Once outside, we assumed primary roles for the missions. Ryan led up the team focusing with the M600, and Kyle acted as the pilot for the C-astral. I worked as the equipment manager for the C-astral team. This was the final role at which I am yet to act as in a dry run, at it made sense for me to be a part of the C-astral team as this is the aircraft I am most likely to work with. Running through the checklist was effective. It is clear that the C-astral team is now very familiar with the system and works well as a team. No major issues appeared while performing the checklist steps and the aircraft was constructed without issue and in efficient time, as it would need to be in the field (Figure 2 and 3).

Figure 2: The aircraft fuselage mounted onto the catapult. An early step in constructing the aircraft pre-flight.

Figure 3: The fully constructed C-astral with armed to deploy parachute.

Being that it was raining lightly outside, this was also an opportunity to validate that the aircraft is at least moderately weather proofed (Figure 4). While setting up the aircraft in the rain made some of us nervous, it did build confidence that the aircraft will perform well in a realistic field environment. Being that Indiana has unpredictable weather in the Spring, it is entirely possible that light precipitation could begin during future operations.

Figure 4: The constructed C-astral fuselage and wing section with noticeable moisture from rain on the aircraft.

After the simulated C-astral mission was complete, Kyle and I spent time working through functions on the digital interface with Professor Hupy (Figure 5). predominately, the purpose of this interaction was to be reminded of key aspects of this aircraft's flight control, as well as learn pointers regarding potential mistakes that could be made. Ultimately, Kyle and I are likely to be the pilots throughout the season.

Figure 5: Learning more about the digital interface on the ground control station.

Ultimately, I think the crew is mission capable and ready for next week.