Acharya Institute of Technology

Acharya Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Road, Acharya P.O,

"The objective of this drone making project is to design, develop, and construct a functional drone that meets
specific design specifications and performance metrics. The project aims to incorporate innovative technologies
and creative solutions to achieve superior flight stability, speed, range, and maneuverability. Additionally, the
drone will be designed for practical applications such as surveillance, delivery services, and agricultural
monitoring, targeting both commercial enterprises and government agencies. Adherence to safety standards and
regulatory compliance is a key objective, along with promoting skill development, knowledge application, and
addressing sustainability and ethical considerations."

Project Topic and Brief Explanation:

A hexacopter drone is a type of multirotor drone distinguished by its six propellers, which are typically arranged in
a circular pattern. This configuration offers enhanced stability, redundancy, and payload capacity compared to
other drones like quadcopters (four propellers) and octocopters (eight propellers). The hexacopter's frame is
designed to support six arms, each equipped with a motor and propeller, ensuring balanced lift and thrust for stable
flight. At the core of the hexacopter is the flight controller, which acts as the brain of the drone. It processes inputs
from sensors such as gyroscopes and accelerometers to maintain stability and control. Additionally, the flight
controller interfaces with the remote control system or autopilot software. The power system, primarily a battery,
provides energy to the motors and electronic components, with its capacity and voltage being crucial factors in
determining the drone's flight time and performance. This combination of structural integrity, sophisticated control
systems, and efficient power management makes the hexacopter a versatile and reliable choice for various
applications, including aerial photography, surveillance, and delivery services.
 Acharya Institute of Technology
Acharya Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Road, Acharya P.O,
Soladevanahalli,
Bangalore - 560107. Karnataka, India.
Department of Aeronautical Engineering

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 Acharya Institute of Technology
Acharya Dr. S. Radhakrishnan Road, Acharya P.O,
Soladevanahalli,
Bangalore - 560107. Karnataka, India.
Department of Aeronautical Engineering
Report On Project Based Assignment
Topic: Hexacopter Drone , F550
Year and Branch: 2nd Year, Aeronautical Engineering
Date of Submission:
Submitted To :
Mr. Akash S
Signature: ------------------------------------

Submitted By:
SN Name USN Signature
1. AKASH S 1AY22AE004
2. PRASHANTH MASTI 1AY22AE035
3. LAKSHMIPRASAD V 1AY22AE027
4. SHASHANK GOWDA G 1AY22AE0047
Abstract:

This report details the design, development, and construction of a hexacopter drone using the F550 frame
model and an Arduino board for flight control. The project aimed to create a functional and efficient
hexacopter capable of stable flight and practical applications, such as aerial photography, surveillance,
delivery services, and agricultural monitoring. The collaborative efforts of our team resulted in the
successful integration of various components, including motors, propellers, sensors, and a power system,
all coordinated by a custom-programmed Arduino flight controller.

Throughout the project, we encountered and overcame numerous technical challenges, which provided
valuable learning experiences in areas such as electronics, aerodynamics, and programming. This
endeavor not only enhanced our technical skills but also emphasized the importance of meticulous
planning, problem-solving, and teamwork.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mr. Akash S for his unwavering encouragement and support
throughout this project. His guidance and motivation were instrumental in our success. This project has
been an enriching and educational journey, equipping us with practical knowledge and skills that will
benefit us in future endeavors.
Drones:

Drones, also known as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), are aircraft systems that operate without a
human pilot onboard. They are controlled remotely or autonomously by onboard computers. Drones have
become increasingly popular due to their versatility, ease of use, and wide range of applications.

Types of Drones
1.Multirotor Drones

These drones are characterized by having multiple rotors, typically ranging from three to eight. They are
popular due to their stability and ease of control.

 Quadcopters: The most common type, with four rotors. They offer a good balance of stability
and maneuverability, making them ideal for aerial photography, recreational use, and basic
surveying.
 Hexacopters: With six rotors, these drones provide more lift and redundancy compared to
quadcopters. They can carry heavier payloads and are often used for professional photography
and industrial applications.
 Octocopters: Featuring eight rotors, these drones offer enhanced stability and payload capacity.
They are used in applications that require high reliability and are often employed in film
production and heavy-duty inspections.
2. Fixed-Wing Drones

These drones resemble traditional aircraft and are designed for longer flight times and greater distances.
They are not as maneuverable as multirotors but are efficient for surveying and mapping large areas.

 Traditional Fixed-Wing: These drones have a wing design similar to airplanes and are capable
of long-range flights and high-speed cruising. They are used for agricultural monitoring, large-
scale surveying, and environmental research.
 VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing): These fixed-wing drones combine the features of
multirotors and fixed-wing aircraft. They can take off and land vertically like a multirotor but fly
horizontally like a fixed-wing drone, making them versatile for various applications.

3. Hybrid Drones

Hybrid drones combine the features of both multirotors and fixed-wing drones. They offer the benefits of
vertical takeoff and landing with the efficiency of fixed-wing flight.

 Quadplane: A type of hybrid drone that uses quadcopter-like rotors for vertical takeoff and
landing and transitions to fixed-wing flight for longer distances. This design is useful for missions
that require both hovering and long-range flight.
4. Single-Rotor Drones

These drones have a single large rotor, similar to a helicopter. They are known for their efficiency in
hover and have a higher payload capacity than multirotors of the same size.

 Helicopter-Style Drones: Often used in professional applications requiring high endurance and
payload capacity. They are more complex to control and maintain compared to multirotors but are
advantageous for certain types of aerial work.

5. Nano and Micro Drones:These are very small drones designed for indoor use or very tight spaces.
They are often used for research, education, and entertainment.

 Nano Drones: Extremely small, usually with a wingspan of just a few inches. They are used for
indoor flying, teaching basic drone piloting skills, and sometimes for small-scale scientific
experiments.
 Micro Drones: Slightly larger than nano drones, these are still designed for indoor use or very
close-range outdoor flying. They offer more capabilities than nano drones but are still limited in
terms of payload and flight time.

6. Underwater Drones (ROVs): Though not aerial, these drones are worth mentioning. They are
designed to operate underwater and are used for exploration, inspection, and research in aquatic
environments.

 Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs): These are tethered drones used for deep-sea exploration
and underwater inspections. They are equipped with cameras and lights and are often used in
marine biology, underwater archaeology, and infrastructure inspection.


Hexacopter Drone:
A hexacopter drone is a type of multirotor drone distinguished by its six propellers, which are typically
arranged in a circular pattern. This configuration offers enhanced stability, redundancy, and payload
capacity compared to other drones like quadcopters (four propellers) and octocopters (eight propellers).
The hexacopter's frame is designed to support six arms, each equipped with a motor and propeller,
ensuring balanced lift and thrust for stable flight. At the core of the hexacopter is the flight controller,
which acts as the brain of the drone. It processes inputs from sensors such as gyroscopes and
accelerometers to maintain stability and control. Additionally, the flight controller interfaces with the
remote control system or autopilot software. The power system, primarily a battery, provides energy to
the motors and electronic components, with its capacity and voltage being crucial factors in determining
the drone's flight time and performance. This combination of structural integrity, sophisticated control
systems, and efficient power management makes the hexacopter a versatile and reliable choice for various
applications, including aerial photography, surveillance, and delivery services

Components Used :

Frame: F550 Hexacopter Frame

 Lightweight and Robust Structure: The F550 hexacopter frame is designed to be both strong
and light. This balance ensures that the drone can handle the stress of flight while maintaining
efficiency.
 Six Arms: The frame has six arms extending from a central hub. Each arm is equipped with
mounting points for motors and propellers. The hexacopter design provides greater stability and
lift compared to quadcopters (four-armed drones) and is well-suited for carrying additional
equipment or payloads.
2. Motors and Propellers

 Six Brushless Motors: Brushless motors of 1000KV are used for their efficiency, durability, and
low maintenance requirements. Each motor is mounted at the end of one of the six arms.
 Six Propellers (CW and CCW): Propellers are installed in a combination of clockwise (CW)
and counterclockwise (CCW) orientations. This configuration helps in balancing the lift and
thrust generated by the motors. In a hexacopter, the CW and CCW propellers are arranged in a
specific pattern to counteract the rotational forces (torque) that could otherwise make the drone
unstable.

3. Flight Controller: Arduino Board

 Arduino Board: Arduino (Uno)Serves as the brain of the drone. It processes the flight data from
sensors and controls the motors to stabilize and maneuver the drone. The Arduino board is a
popular choice for DIY drones due to its flexibility and ease of programming.
 Integrated Sensors:
o Gyroscope: Measures angular velocity and helps maintain orientation.
o Accelerometer: Measures acceleration and helps in stabilizing the drone’s pitch and roll.

4. Electronic Speed Controllers (ESCs)

 Six ESCs: Each motor has a corresponding ESC of 30Ampear that regulates the motor speed
based on commands from the flight controller. ESCs convert the power from the battery into
variable voltage and current to control the motor's speed, allowing for precise adjustments to
maintain stable flight.

5. Power System

 Lithium Polymer (LiPo) Battery: Chosen for its high energy density and lightweight properties.
LiPo batteries of 11.1`V are capable of providing the high current necessary for powering
brushless motors and other electronic components.
 Power Distribution Board: This board distributes power from the battery to all components of
the drone, including the motors, flight controller, ESCs, and any additional electronics. It ensures
that each component receives the correct amount of power.
Design and Construction

Frame Assembly:

 The F550 frame is assembled by attaching the six arms to the central hub. This setup provides a
stable and balanced platform for the rest of the components.

Motor and Propeller Installation:

 Brushless motors of 1000KV are attached to the ends of the six arms.
 Propellers are installed on the motors, with a mix of CW and CCW orientations to ensure
balanced flight. The specific arrangement of propellers helps counteract the rotational forces,
maintaining stability.

Flight Controller Integration:

 The Arduino board is programmed to manage flight. It is connected to the motors via the ESCs
and uses the integrated sensors to process flight data.
 The flight controller interprets signals from the remote control and adjusts motor speeds to keep
the drone stable and responsive.

Power System Setup:

 A LiPo battery of 11.1V is chosen for its efficiency and light weight. The power distribution
board ensures that power is evenly distributed to all components, including the motors and
electronics.

Testing and Calibration

Pre-flight Checks:

 Connections: Ensuring that all wires and connections are secure and properly connected.
 Propeller Orientation: Verifying that propellers are installed in the correct CW and CCW
orientations to maintain balance and stability.

Calibration:
  Sensor Calibration: Calibrating the gyroscope (MPU6050) and accelerometer on the Arduino
board to ensure accurate flight data.
 Motor Tests: Running initial tests to check that each motor is functioning correctly and responds
appropriately to commands.

Flight Tests:

 Initial Flight Tests: Conducting test flights to assess stability and control. Observing how the
drone responds to inputs and making necessary adjustments.
 Flight Controller Adjustments: Fine-tuning the flight controller settings based on test flight
results to optimize performance and stability.
Conclusion:

The completion of our hexacopter drone project marks a significant achievement for our team,
demonstrating the successful design, development, and construction of a functional and efficient
hexacopter using the F550 frame and an Arduino board for flight control. This project would not have
been possible without the dedicated efforts and collaborative spirit of each team member, who brought
their unique skills and knowledge to the table.

Throughout this project, we encountered and overcame numerous challenges, from assembling the frame
and installing the motors to programming the flight controller and calibrating the sensors. Each obstacle
provided an invaluable learning experience, enhancing our technical proficiency in areas such as
electronics, aerodynamics, and programming. Moreover, we developed strong problem-solving skills and
learned the importance of meticulous planning and teamwork in achieving complex goals.

By integrating various components and ensuring their seamless operation, we were able to create a stable
and reliable hexacopter with potential applications in aerial photography, surveillance, delivery services,
and agricultural monitoring. The project not only met its technical objectives but also fostered a deeper
understanding of drone technology and its real-world applications.

In conclusion, this model-based assignment has been an enriching and educational journey for all team
members. It has strengthened our technical skills, expanded our knowledge, and underscored the value of
teamwork and perseverance. We are proud of what we have accomplished and look forward to applying
the insights and experiences gained from this project to future endeavors.