1. Executive Summary
In August, Project Quiver focused on real-world testing and refinement of the PT3 prototypes. Multiple flight missions were carried out successfully, including payload drops, showing the aircraft’s reliability and stability. Improvements were made to the build process based on assembly feedback, and equipment updates solved issues seen in earlier flights. Overall, the project continued to move steadily from development toward practical and repeatable operations.
2. Project Progress
Team Formation
The Project Quiver team includes the following members:
| Member | Experience Level | Team | Weekly Commitment (hrs) | Areas of Expertise / Championed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 21stCenturyAlex | Level 3 | Core | 15 | Avionics |
| alperenag | Level 4 | Core | 35 | Project Lead |
| Dow Fisher KBM | Level 3 | Core | 15 | FEA, Systems Engineering |
| errrks.eth | Level 4 | Core | 35 | Electrical Design, Harnessing |
| Julius | Level 4 | Core | 35 | PCB Layout, Power Storage, Prototyping, Propulsion System, Electrical Communication |
| kjcerveny | Level 3 | Contributor | 5 | Electrical design, System testing, Product development |
| ZeynepB | Level 4 | Core | 35 | Flight Mechanics, Flight Test |
PT3:
During August, the PT3 prototypes completed multiple successful flight missions with and without payload, including brush-bullet dispensing operations. The aircraft was tuned to a high standard, enabling it to perform missions reliably without the need to constantly monitor telemetry. Across both builds, tens of hours of flight testing were accumulated, and flight logs confirmed consistent autonomous performance with no compass or GNSS related errors.
During early flight tests, oscillations were observed and traced to the Systork Wren Mini RTK GNSS antenna. After replacing it with the Holybro F9P, the issue was resolved. Following this change, the RTK GNSS system was verified to work reliably in both Germany and U.S. builds. Further actions were taken to determine the root cause of the oscillations, but no conclusive results were obtained. Communication with the manufacturer will be maintained as part of ongoing investigation.
Problems that were identified during assembly were addressed in new revisions. These updates simplified assembly and enhanced overall structural reliability. Work also progressed on improving the reliability of the electrical system. New revisions of the PT3 PCBs were developed to address issues seen in earlier builds and to increase robustness.
3. Information Notes
Compass Setup & Verification [PT3 ]
Validated dual external compasses (MatekSys GNSS M9N-G4-3100 primary, Wren Mini secondary) with MagFit calibration. Achieved <5° yaw reset at liftoff, no compass-related errors, and stable EKF performance in both Germany and U.S. builds.
Link
FDM 3D Printing & FEA Study [General]
Analyzed FDM 3D printing material behavior and the challenges of applying standard FEA. Highlighted anisotropy between in-layer and inter-layer strength, need for orthotropic modeling, and reliance on ISO testing for material parameters. Compared FDM to other processes (SLS, MJF, injection molding, metal AM) in terms of strength, accuracy, and cost.
Link
Structural Improvements [PT3]
Redesigned PT3 enclosure to improve assembly, rigidity, and radio performance. Updates include integrated anchor mechanism for the enclosure, relocated telemetry antenna, thinner reinforced top cap for GNSS, repositioned camera mount and corrected altitude sensor mount with LiDAR reorientation for gimbal clearance.
Link
4. Goals for Next Month
- Continue flight testing of both PT3 aircraft and expand mission profiles.
- Perform flight tests and utilize logged data for control tuning and performance optimization.
- Integrate obstacle avoidance system.
- Evaluate available RC controller in the market.
- Revise transport case studies for PT3.
- Finalize the structural and electrical upgrades and fill orders for the new version prototype.
- Revise the overall aircraft design based on user feedback from the builds.
- Revise the structural design for weight reduction and ease of manufacturing.
5. Budget & Resource Allocation
-
Project Expenses:
No reimbursements were submitted this month. -
Team Members Compensation
The project team was compensated for $39,581 this month. The breakdown can be found here. -
Total
The total expense of Project Quiver in August is $39,581, which is below the monthly maximum spending cap. In addition, the team members received 21280 $ARROW in total as part of their compensations.