The Drone Attachment
Our idea is simple and that’s what makes the reality of it feel so tangible. Basically, we are using UAV tech to make existing ad-hoc networks (fancy name for small cell towers based out of tractor trailers) more effective. We start with a ground station much like other ad-hoc networks. This station will be set up at a central location in the area and this is where we have all the transmission equipment. We send UAVs in all directions from the ground station. Our drones have some sort of V-shaped protrusion on the front like the plane does in the gif above. These drones use the V-shape to carry small balloons with antennae on them. When the drone gets to its destination, it then releases the balloon and returns to base. The balloon itself is designed to be neutrally buoyant so it should float in place. The antennae carries the signal from the ground base and retransmits it to the areas surrounding. The advantage to this method is that if one area is too much for one balloon to handle, another drone can carry an additional antennae to the area.
Our biggest challenges still lie with battery life. We need to find a battery that can last long enough for the drone to get its location. Additionally, this method may mean reconfiguring our quadcopter’s frame–which we don’t have time to do. Lastly, we have to confront the issue that weather–particularly high winds if we’re in a hurricane situation–may play on our quadcopter and balloons.
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