Supply Transport for Relief In Key Emergencies (STRIKE) Deployable Drone

Natural disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and severe storms frequently disrupt transportation infrastructure, leaving affected communities isolated and without access to essential supplies. Traditional aid delivery methods, including ground transport and manned aerial drops, can be slow, costly, or impractical when roads are blocked or conditions are unsafe. This project addresses the need for a low-cost, rapidly deployable solution capable of delivering emergency supplies to stranded individuals in hard-to-reach areas. STRIKE (Supply Transport for Relief In Key Emergencies) is a radio-controlled (RC) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to transport and deploy essential food supplies during disaster response scenarios. The system is specifically intended for situations where mobility is limited and aid centers are too far to access efficiently. By enabling multiple trips and targeted payload delivery, STRIKE improves responsiveness and flexibility in emergency relief operations. The engineering approach focuses on designing a lightweight, electrically powered fixed-wing aircraft optimized for short takeoff distance, stable flight, and controlled payload release. Key design considerations include aerodynamic efficiency, structural integrity, and system reliability under strict constraints such as maximum takeoff weight, limited onboard energy, and flight duration. Analytical methods such as wing and propulsion sizing, thrust-to-weight ratio evaluation, and stability analysis (longitudinal, lateral, and dynamic) were used to guide the design process. Computer-aided design (CAD) modeling supported subsystem integration, while material selection balanced strength, weight, and cost. A central feature of the STRIKE system is its modular payload drop mechanism. The aircraft is capable of carrying up to 12 emergency food bars, packaged and released in multiple drops during a single flight. The payload system uses a commercially available coil and coupler mechanism driven by a NEMA-17 stepper motor, allowing controlled and sequential release of supplies over designated drop zones. The STRIKE UAV system demonstrates a scalable and cost-effective approach to disaster relief logistics. By reducing reliance on expensive manned operations and enabling rapid deployment, the system has the potential to improve emergency response efforts. Future developments may include autonomous navigation, enhanced payload capacity.