Predator Drone Modelling and Assembly

MQ-1 Predator Drone model.

Isometric view of the Predator drone

In my ME 430 Introduction to Computer Aided Design class, I was taught how to model, assemble, and draw parts using Creo and SolidWorks. Learning how to use a CAD software is one of the most important topics I learned in college, as mechanical engineers would need to learn how to create an object and analyze its functions and properties for whatever use the object is designed for.

The assignment

In this assignment, I was taught how to model and assemble a MQ-1 Predator Drone equipped with launchers and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles in SolidWorks. Instructions, models of the launcher and Hellfire missile, and XYZ coordinates. For the body of the drone and its propellers, using Curve Through XYZ Points were extensively used in order to create those bodies. The wings also used coordinates shape its airfoil. The coordinates were obtained from UIUC Airfoil Data Site; the coordinates specifically is "clarkys.dat". Splines were also notably used to create the stabilizers , weapon pylons, and the antenna.

When the body, wings, and propellers of the drone where finished, the assembly could then begin. The propellers was mated at the rear of the body . One launcher was mated under one of the weapon pylons, after which one Hellfire missile was mated onto that launcher. Using Mirror Components, the Hellfire missile that mated was mirrored over the launchers Right Plane, allowing a duplicate missile to rest on the other side of the launcher. The launcher and its two missiles were mirrored over the drone's Front Plane, duplicating a second launcher and two additional missiles on the other weapon pylon. The drone was then given a light blue color paint to resemble the image of the Predator Drone released by the U.S. Air Force seen below.

Results