May 21, 2024
X-74 Soteria
Our team recently participated in the NASA Dream with Us Design Challenge, focusing on the theme "Responding to Natural Disasters with New Aviation." Although we didn't win, the experience was incredibly valuable and taught us a great deal about aerospace engineering, sustainable design, and disaster response. We developed a concept for a multi-purpose and sustainable unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) called the X-74 Soteria, aimed at addressing two critical natural disasters: wildfires and floods. We chose these focus areas based on personal experiences and the increasing frequency of these events in our current location, California.
The X-74 Soteria incorporates several key features inspired by existing aircraft. Drawing from the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey, our UAV has a tilt-rotor and VTOL capability, allowing it to transition between vertical and horizontal flight. We designed interchangeable modules inspired by the Sikorsky S-64 Skycrane, including a water tank for firefighting, a boat carrier for flood rescue operations, and a passenger/rescue module for evacuations. Like the Sikorsky H-3 Sea King, our UAV has amphibious capabilities crucial for flood rescue operations. We prioritized sustainability by opting for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and incorporated advanced sensors, including a radar camera system. To bring our concept to life, we used 3D modeling software (Blender) and developed a Python program to calculate performance metrics.
Participating in this NASA challenge has taught us valuable lessons in aerospace engineering principles, sustainable design considerations, and the complexities of disaster response operations. We also gained experience in teamwork, project management, technical writing, and presentation skills. While we didn't win the challenge, the knowledge and experience we gained are invaluable. We're proud of our innovative design and the effort we put into addressing real-world problems with cutting-edge technology. This project has inspired us to continue exploring the fields of aerospace engineering and disaster response, showing us the exciting possibilities at the intersection of aviation and humanitarian efforts and motivating us to keep dreaming big and working towards innovative solutions for global challenges.