• Exterior Case: Chosen for its ideal size to efficiently transport the multirotor UAS, 4 propellers, and Jeti Duplex DS-12 controller, the exterior Pelican case provides a tough external shell resistant to impacts and crushing forces (Table 3.1, Figure 3.1).

• Base Insert: The base insert cradles the required components in custom-designed slots to hold them still during transport. 

• Lid Insert: The lid insert provides additional padded support from above to reduce jostling of the required components inside the case.

The final Ground Control Station design consists of a Pelican 1700 Protector Long Case and an arrangement of integrated internally-housed electronics to facilitate seamless command workflows, superior pilot productivity, and enhanced information processing capability during drone missions with autonomous waypoint guidance and tracking (Figure 2.2). The Pelican case serves as a rigid waterproof enclosure around and structural foundation for the mounting hardware securing the electronic components.

• Lenovo ThinkStation P3 Mini Computer: Powerful enough to run ArduPilot Mission Planner program smoothly and reliably.

  • 1 TB storage

  • 32 GB RAM

  • NVIDIA GPU chip

• Logitech K845 Mechanical Keyboard: Provides comfortable, tactile feedback with a robust aluminum frame and dedicated numeric keypad.

• Elecom Ergonomic Trackball Mouse: Enables seamless user interface and quick navigation across three screens, even on a constrained work surface.

• Logitech Backup Mouse: Provides redundant control option in the case of trackball failure mid-flight.

• TP-Link 8-Port Ethernet Switch: Enables linking to several different ground radios (Silvus, MicroHard).

• Lenovo Docking Station: Enables productivity gains through additional monitor connections.

• Lenovo USB Soundbar: Enables auditory alerts (‘beeps’ and ‘boops’) from flight control software to be heard.

• Three Brytee Daytime Viewing Monitors: Three 2500-nit screens organize information spaciously and allow for clear, glare-free viewing even in direct sunlight.

• StarboardⓇ HDPE: Lightweight, strong, durable, and UV-resistant 12.7 mm (0.5 in) thick high-density polyethylene used commonly in the marine electronics industry.

  • Lid Panel: Houses and protects monitor assembly inside lid of Pelican case.

  • Base Panel: Houses and protects mini computer, docking station, ethernet switch, and other electronics inside base of Pelican case.

  • Sub-Panel: Secured with nuts onto the bottom interior surface of the Pelican case via nine epoxy-bonded flathead screws, providing a modular 

The final Recovery Net design solution—submitted as a technical design package based on sponsor input and budget constraints—includes a frame built out of 8020 extruded aluminum, steel Unistrut scissor arms, adjustable bungee cords, nylon cables, and a custom net (Figure 2.9).

• Extruded Aluminum Frame: Lightweight, strong, and corrosion-resistant; easily portable due to minimal fasteners and modular 8020 construction.

• Quick Assembly and Disassembly: Few fasteners allow the frame to be packed down or set up quickly in the field.

• Scissor Arm Mounting System: Arms are attached at 45° angles to the vertical 8020 posts using custom brackets and guides for consistent deployment.

• Adjustable Bungee Attachment: Rear overhang on each scissor arm accommodates bungee cords, which stretch to absorb impact energy.

• Energy Absorption: On impact, bungee cords extend (up to ~ 66 cm) causing the net to rotate back ~ 25°, safely decelerating the UAS [13].

• Locking Mechanism: A safety catch locks the scissor arms post-impact to prevent rebound and secondary motion.

• Elastic Nylon Net and Webbing: The net absorbs force via stretchable vertical nylon webbing straps, reducing shock on contact.

• Load Distribution: Gaps between vertical struts allow the drone’s nose to pass through while its wings are caught, distributing the load across the entire net frame.