In 2012, I started AeroTestra (Latin for “Air Shell”)which is primarily devoted to unmanned aircraft design and manufacturing. Our flagship, a multi rotor UAV designed for precision aerial image collection to be processed for topographic mapping, was affectionately named IVAN.
The aircraft structure, technically referred to as a “thin shell structure”, or monocoque structure, carries both tensile and compression forces within the skin and can be recognized by the absence of a load carrying internal frame. This design allows for a very high strength to weight ratio and provides a large, protective internal area for payload capacity.
This project required 3D modeling of the vehicle, mold design, CNC milling and thermo-forming.