Personal Note: I apologize for publishing this month’s progress report late. In the lead-up to the meetup, we focused intensely on advancing PT1 toward flight readiness, and during the meetup we used the limited working time available to make further progress on the Quiver attachments. While these technical priorities moved the project forward, I did not allocate sufficient time to complete the reimbursement reconciliation and report preparation on schedule. I take responsibility for the delay and appreciate your understanding.
1. Executive Summary
July completed the structural manufacturing and assembly of the PT1 airframe. A customs-related delay prevented the ordered MAD lift motors from arriving, so the propulsion installation was switched to the previously procured KDE motors already in stock. The motor mounts and electrical layout were modified and implemented for this change. Most electrical harnesses and components are now prepared, leaving installation, ground checks, and first flight as the main carryovers.
2. Project Progress
Team Formation
| Member | Experience Level | Team | Weekly Commitment (hrs) | Areas of Expertise / Championed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| alperenag | Level 5 | Core | 32 | Project Lead |
| Erick | Level 4 | Core | 15 | Electrical Layout & Avionics |
| Zeynep | Level 4 | Core | 40 | Flight Mechanics |
Progress Overview
July moved PT1 from released manufacturing data into an assembled structural airframe. Fuselage, wing, connector, detachment, and motor-mount work was completed and brought together during assembly. The lift-motor plan changed when the MAD order was held up by customs and did not arrive; the in-stock KDE motors were adopted to avoid further schedule delay. The associated motor-mount and electrical-layout changes were completed and implemented. Most harnesses and electrical components are ready, so the remaining path to flight is installation, system checks, and ground validation.
3. Major Studies
Structural Manufacturing and Assembly Completion
Structural manufacturing and assembly of the PT1 airframe were completed during July. The fuselage and main-wing parts were produced from the finalized material-specific cutting packages, together with the required printed connectors and detachment and mounting hardware. These parts were brought together into the completed structural assembly, closing the main structural manufacturing phase and moving the project into aircraft-level systems installation.
Lift-Motor Supply Issue and KDE Integration
The ordered MAD lift motors did not arrive because of customs clearance issues. To prevent the shipment delay from holding the aircraft, the propulsion system was switched to the previously procured KDE motors already available in stock. Motor-mount geometry and the affected electrical-layout details were modified for the KDE installation, and the changes were implemented on PT1. This restored a practical path to flight without waiting for the delayed MAD order.
Electrical Layout Preparation
The PT1 electrical layout was updated around the KDE motor installation and prepared for final aircraft integration. Most harnesses, connectors, power-distribution items, and electrical components are ready. The remaining work is to install and terminate the prepared hardware, verify continuity and polarity, complete controlled power-up and motor checks, and then proceed through the final ground-readiness review to flight.
4. Goals for Next Month
- Install and terminate the prepared harnesses and electrical components in the assembled PT1 airframe.
- Verify continuity, polarity, power distribution, servo power, and control-system operation.
- Complete controlled KDE motor run-up, direction, thermal, vibration, and EMI checks.
- Complete final ground-readiness and safety checks.
- Conduct the first PT1 flight and inspect the aircraft before the next test cycle.
5. Budget & Resource Allocation
Project Expenses
July reimbursements totaled $4435.01, covering carbon profiles and rods, the 12S 22000 mAh battery, wiring and connectors, charging hardware, lidar, servos and linkages, sheet stock, laser-cut aluminum parts, adhesives, clamps, fasteners, drill bits, and other assembly materials.
Team Members Compensation
Team compensation totaled $24469.33.
Total
The total July expense of Project Spearhead is $28904.34, consisting of $4435.01 in reimbursements and $24469.33 in team compensation.