Design and analysis of a UAV for skydiving

The design and development of an autonomous camera platform for skydiving is presented. The device was designed to be compact, lightweight, and aerodynamically stable. Behavior of the device under a nominal wind speed at varying angles of attack, was obtained through Computational Fluid Dynamics analysis (CFD). A prototype was constructed for the purpose of verifying the CFD and simulation models. Wind tunnel testing was conducted, verifying the aerodynamic stability and roll performance when compared to open-loop simulations. An experimental test in a vertical wind tunnel proved inconclusive due to high turbulence and swirl.