This project involved the end-to-end design and integration of a high-performance FPV race quadcopter focused on agility, control fidelity, and rapid iteration through real-world testing. The objective was to build a platform capable of sustaining aggressive flight profiles while maintaining predictable handling and low-latency pilot feedback.
From a mechanical standpoint, I selected and configured a lightweight carbon fiber frame optimized for stiffness, crash resilience, and minimal rotational inertia. Component placement was carefully planned to manage mass distribution and reduce vibration transmission to sensitive avionics, improving both flight controller performance and onboard video clarity. Custom 3D-printed mounts and spacers were designed to secure electronics while preserving accessibility for fast repair and iteration between test flights.
Electrically, I integrated a high-current powertrain consisting of brushless motors, ESCs, and a LiPo power system capable of handling rapid throttle transients without significant voltage sag. The quadcopter was equipped with a low-latency analog FPV video system paired with head-tracked VR goggles, enabling precise situational awareness during high-speed and high-G maneuvers. Signal and power routing were deliberately managed to minimize EMI and ensure reliable operation in a compact, high-density layout.
Flight performance was refined through iterative firmware configuration and tuning of the flight controller. I adjusted PID gains, filtering strategies, and motor timing across multiple test flights, correlating subjective handling characteristics with logged data to converge on a setup that balanced stability and maximum responsiveness. The final platform demonstrated consistent, controllable behavior during sustained high-throttle operation, rapid direction changes, and recovery from aggressive maneuvers.
Overall, this project strengthened my ability to design, integrate, and validate complex electromechanical systems under real-world constraints. It reflects practical experience with lightweight structural design, embedded avionics, and data-informed iteration, directly applicable to high-performance aerospace and robotics development environments.
