1. Executive Summary
Between the beginning of May to this day, Project Quiver achieved several key milestones across design finalization and field demonstration. The design of PT3 was frozen, with full assembly guides prepared to support repeatable manufacturing and community contribution.
Meanwhile, PT1.5 successfully completed a live demo mission, executing a fully automated flight for potential end users. The aircraft performed brush-bullet drops at programmed waypoints, showcasing both reliability and payload capability.
These developments mark a transition from component R&D toward reproducible platform delivery.
Note: This progress report was intentionally delayed until the conclusion of Phase 1. While it includes work completed as of today, the budget and expense summaries reflect data through the end of May. A new report will be prepared at the end of June, including the June budget and expenses.
2. Project Progress
Team Formation
The Project Quiver team includes the following members:
| Member | Experience Level | Weekly Commitment (hrs) | Champion Disciplines |
|---|---|---|---|
| 21stCenturyAlex | Level 3 | 15 | Avionics |
| alperenag | Level 4 | 35 | Project Lead |
| Dow Fisher KBM | Level 3 | 15 | Enclosure Design, Systems Engineering |
| errrks.eth | Level 4 | 35 | Electrical Design, Harnessing |
| Julius | Level 4 | 35 | PCB Layout, Power Storage, Prototyping, Propulsion System, Electrical Communication |
| ZeynepB | Level 3 | 30 | Flight Mechanics, Flight Test |
PT1.5:
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Conducted a successful field demonstration for external contacts.
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Completed several autonomous waypoint missions with real-time brush bullet deployment.
PT2:
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Served as the primary testbed for validating sensor performance, firmware configurations, and power distribution tuning ahead of PT3.
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A flight campaign with varying payload weights was conducted to assess flight performance, stability, and energy consumption under different loading conditions.
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Results were used to assess the sufficiency of PT2 propulsion system elements in the next prototypes.
PT3:
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Design frozen following the completion of CAD models, wiring layout, and subsystem configuration.
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Full structural & electrical assembly guides and flight controller setup guide were authored, including 3D-printed component documentation.
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PCB designs (Main, Flight Controller Adapter, Battery Connector, Attachment Interface) were finalized and submitted for fabrication.
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Airframe was modified for water/dust protection. Modifications were also made for weight reduction and structural support.
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Two attachment interfaces were added on the sides of the aircraft, increasing the capabilities on performing various missions.
3. Milestone Overview
With the delivery of this progress report, Phase 1 of Project Quiver is regarded as complete.
- Waterproof & Dustproof Cockpit
- Completed.
- Customized Transport Case
- Partially Completed.
- Preliminary work is completed, finalization will follow the construction of a prototype.
- Partially Completed.
- Foldable / Retractable Landing Gear
- Not Completed.
- The feasibility is currently uncertain and will be reassessed during the next phase.
- Not Completed.
- Incentive Programs for Enlarging Attachment Library
- Completed.
- Standardized Mission Attachment Connector
- Completed.
- Minor Flight Mission Planning & Automation
- Completed.
- RTK & Precise GNSS
- Completed.
- PCB for Kill Switch
- Completed.
- Refined Structure for Weight Reduction
- Completed.
- Open Source Structural Components
- Partially Completed.
- Motor arm connectors remain problematic. Current solutions are either too expensive to manufacture or compromise the foldable feature. A better alternative is being explored.
- Partially Completed.
- Review & Fixes from Previous Prototypes
- Completed.
4. Major Studies
4.1 Information Notes
PCB Specification [PT3]
Defines the architecture and requirements for the dual-PCB system in PT3.Outlines the division of electrical responsibilities between the Battery PCB and the Main PCB, with detailed specs for power distribution, CAN communication, and payload integration.
Link
Battery Connector PCB Design [PT3]
Documents the design and operation of the Battery PCB responsible for managing power delivery from the Tattu Smart Battery to the Main PCB.
Link
Main PCB Design [PT3]
Documents the schematic and board layout of the PT3 Main PCB, which acts as the electrical hub between the flight controller and all major subsystems.
Link
Flight Controller PCB Design [PT3]
Describes the design of an adapter PCB for the Pix32 V6 flight controller. This board breaks out 100-pin FC signals into accessible terminals and headers for integration with the Main PCB, sensors, and external payloads.
Link
GNSS System Selection [PT3]
Reviews and compares multiple RTK GNSS modules suitable for UAV platforms. Selects the principal and substitude systems.
Link
Flight Mechanics Performance Metrics Framework [General]
Presents a standardized, repeatable framework for comparing flight performance of Quiver prototypes using ArduPilot logs.
Link
Comprehensive Airframe Modification [PT3]
Summarizes the redesign of main airframe & equipment mounts and integration of two additional attachment interfaces to improve water/dust protection, sensor layout, and improved capabilities.
Link
Airframe CAD Architecture [PT3]
Presents the hierarchical structure of the PT3 airframe design, including all structural and supporting subsystems categorized by part number and function. Includes the 3D model of the aircraft.
Link
Attachment Interface PCB [PT3]
Defines a modular, dual-orientation 2-layer PCB for standardized payload interfacing on Project Quiver. Explains enabling higher current throughput and support for CAN and Ethernet connections.
Link
Detailed Attachment Requirements [General]
Presents the requirements of the first batch of attachments for Project Quiver, to be developed through targeted bounties.
Link
Rangefinder Evaluation [PT3]
Evaluates radar altimeter and LiDAR options for low-altitude awareness in Project Quiver, focusing on terrain following, obstacle avoidance, and precision landing. Concludes with the selection of the aforementioned components.
Link
Flight Controller Selection [PT3]
Assesses flight control unit (FCU) options for Project Quiver, balancing cost, modularity, integration complexity, and performance.
Link
Payload Weight Test Campaign [PT2]
Evaluates PT2 flight performance under progressive payload loading, up to the 25 kg MTOW limit.
Link
4.2 PT3 Assembly Guides
Battery Connector PCB Assembly Guide
This guide features an interactive BOM , installation notes for custom Molex assemblies, heatsink mounting with thermal pads, and fuse attachment guidelines.
Link
Flight Controller PCB Assembly Guide
This guide includes the steps for assembling the FC PCB, including interfacing with the Pix32 V6 and the Main PCB.
Link
PT3 Main PCB Assembly Guide
This guide covers assembly of the Main PCB and outlines placement for key auxiliary devices like Raspberry Pi, GNSS, and telemetry modules.
Link
Wiring & Harness Manufacturing Guide
This guide provides the complete wiring strategy with detailed port assignments, fuse & power distribution maps, and grounding schemes
Link
Structural Assembly Guide
This guide includes a detailed structural BOM with sourcing data and CAD references, as well as 14 step-by-step procedures for assembling the airframe of the aircraft.
Link
Flight Controller Setup Guide
This guide defines the full integration of Pix32 V6 with DroneCAN ESCs, GPS, radar altimeter, and LiDAR, including parameter setup and test protocols.
Link
5. Goals for Next Month
End of June
- Begin fabrication and mechanical assembly of PT3 based on finalized designs.
- Build two sets of PT3 PCBs in Germany, ship one set to US.
- Order items in the bill of materials to Germany and US for PT3 prototypes.
- Create Aircraft Logbook template for next prototypes for logging configuration, build progress and flight tests.
July
- Build two PT3 aircrafts, one in US and one in Germany.
- Have first flight tests with both PT3 aircrafts.
- Perform flight tests and utilize logged data for control tuning and performance optimization.
- Create an incentivization program for decentralized test campaign.
- Revise transport case studies for PT3.
- Revise the overall aircraft design based on user feedback from the builds.
- Revise the structural design for weight reduction and ease of manufacturing.
- Standardize a Remote Controller with LCD Screen
6. Budget & Resource Allocation (May)
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Project Expenses:
Reimbursements were submitted and approved for hardware purchases and software fees. In total, $2006.82 is spent on the reimbursements this month. Details can be found here.- Julius was reimbursed for the purchase of several PCB parts and a flight controller to be utilized for design studies.
- Cost: $1357.32
- Thomas was reimbursed for the purchase of Fusion 360 tokens, which is used for CAD modelling.
- Cost: $649.50
- Julius was reimbursed for the purchase of several PCB parts and a flight controller to be utilized for design studies.
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Team Members Compensation
The project team was compensated for $34,272 this month. The breakdown can be found here. -
Total
The total expense of Project Quiver in May is $36,278.82, which is below the monthly maximum spending cap. In addition, the team members received 20640 $ARROW in total as part of their compensations.