System Development and Evaluation of Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle for Disaster Relief

Owing to non-availability of adequate data for situational analysis and requisite rapid surveillance equipment, initial response for relief efforts remains delayed during national calamities in Pakistan. As every second counts in humanitarian logistics, many precious lives are lost until initiation of relief and rescue operations. It necessitates development of a potent system able to spearhead relief and rescue operations by providing realtime situational analysis right at the onset. The research objective is to develop a disaster relief aerial platform indigenously, capable of providing quick and cost effective solution for initial disaster survey and relief efforts. Firstly, Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicle was scrutinized as basic platform, which was assembled after classification of each component. To achieve enhanced range operations, Flight Control Communication System with enhanced range and customized Beyond Visual Line Of Sight Telemetry system were integrated on the RUAV. Evaluations to verify the intended results and reliability of the developed system conceded a number of ground tests alongwith successful flight tests. The developed RUAV with integrated Enhanced Range Flight Control System and BVLOS Telemetry System is a novel platform able to provide feedback for situational analysis as well as for relief efforts during calamities.