M2.5: Weeding Out a Solution

M2.5 Weeding Out a Solution

Aaron L. Stone

ASCI 530 Unmanned Aerospace Systems

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

4/1/2017




Weeding Out a Solution


            As the systems engineer it is imperative to remain impartial and unbiased when working with design teams when solving difficult issues. One of the primary concerns for all systems engineers is to be representative as a voice for the customer. This action is carried throughout all development phases until completion of the project.


            During a recent verification audit, it was found that two separate subsystems have violated allotted weight restrictions. As the systems engineer in charge of this project I have first identified the issue at hand. I have reviewed the customer’s requirements and have a full understanding of what the system must do, and what the company has agreed to produce.


            Looking to the safety engineers and asking their team to adjust the fuel margin is not a necessary step that needs to be taken presently. The sole purpose of this UAS project has been based upon the size and mass of intended payloads used for crop management. It is this weight requirement that is often the premier determinant of the layout, size, and all-up-mass (AUM) of the aircraft (Austin, 2010). After having analyzed the requirements, changes in the physical configuration must be made to clear the weight restrictions.


            By maintaining traceability during the entire project, it provides the systems engineer the ability to track and identify changes in every step of the design process. In each situation both subsystem teams attempted to reduce project costs by purchasing off-the-shelf hardware, instead of manufacturing a custom design. Each team has developed a technically sound product, if not for the obvious weight violation that was neglected. One aspect involving systems analysis and control is to effectively evaluate alternative approaches in satisfying technical requirements and program objectives (MIT OCW, 2001).

            As systems engineer, I must have each subsystem team that busted weight restrictions restart with the design synthesis process. This will provide an alternative solution to using off-the-shelf hardware and busting weight restrictions. Each team will redesign and draft new proposals on their specific subsystems while adhering to all project outline requirements. Once proposals are completed a cost comparison can be done. A comparison is needed between each team to see which method is going to be cost effective for the company while still meeting all the customer’s requirements.







References




Austin, R. (2010). Unmanned aircraft systems: UAVs design, development, and deployment. Chichester: Wiley.


MIT OCW. (2001, January). Retrieved from Massachusetts Institute of Technology OpenCourseWare: https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/aeronautics-and-astronautics/16-885j-aircraft-systems-engineering-fall-2005/readings/sefguide_01_01.pdf




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