VTVL MODEL ROCKET

Senior Culminating Design Project

The objective for this project was to design electrical and mechanical components to accomplish the goal of a model rocket Vertical Take-Off Vertical Landing (VTVL). This system detects launch and apogee. It initiates a control system that will actuate the mechanical mechanisms of the rocket in order to slow its descent and remain upright through impact with the ground without sustaining critical damage. This system is safe and reliable. It is affordable and adaptable to the needs of multiple audiences, including hobbyists and student.

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This is all accomplished using Commercial Off the Shelf (COTS) products or 3D-printed components. For launch it used three conventional rocket motors. It uses COTS flight controller to actuate a set of thrust vector control (TVC) vanes. The controller also releases a fairing and landing legs for the final descent. The descent is done through the use of an electric ducted fan (EDF).