Unmanned Vehicles
Development, customisation and mechanism design for drones, UAVs and unmanned ground vehicles. Review mechanical design, prototyping, research and product development requirements together.
Quick Design Makina · Updated: 14 October 2026
Initial assessment
| Option / topic | Requirement | Points to assess together |
|---|---|---|
| Standard platform | Task-appropriate equipment | Supplier and system scope |
| Mechanical module | Housing / attachment | Interfaces and prototype checks |
| New platform | Multiple engineering disciplines | System team and verification roles |
| Chassis | Load and assembly | Layout and mechanical interfaces |
| Superstructure | Task equipment | Access and enclosure |
| System interfaces | Controls and power modules | Coordination between disciplines |
Define development and customisation scope
Developing a new vehicle, customising an existing platform and researching a particular mechanism require different deliverables. Enclosures, chassis, equipment interfaces and special motion mechanisms can form a defined engineering package. Responsibilities for mechanical work and other system disciplines are agreed within project scope.
Start with the intended task
Imaging, inspection, sample transport and equipment carrying create different needs. Describe the operating environment, equipment dimensions and attachment points. Platform expectations are defined with the responsible system team. The task description is more useful than only a brand or image at the first discussion.
Separate the platform from the mechanical module
Buying a standard platform, developing a new aircraft and adding a custom part are different scopes. An enclosure, equipment housing, carrier or ground-support fixture can be a separate engineering package. QDM can discuss these mechanical design and prototyping requirements. Flight controls and software are defined separately with the appropriate teams.
Review interfaces and environmental conditions
Equipment weight, layout, service access and cable routes affect mechanical interfaces. Vibration, outdoor conditions and assembly requirements are assessed around customer needs. Changes to a standard platform should be reviewed with the platform supplier and responsible system team. Geometric fit alone does not establish system suitability.
Define the prototype trial objective
Initial manufacturing can assess interfaces, assembly or part compatibility. State which mechanical results will be checked in the trial plan. Flight verification and operating requirements are addressed through their responsible disciplines. Completing a mechanical prototype should not be confused with verifying every platform operating condition.
Share the information needed for discussion
Describe the task, existing platform, equipment to be carried and required mechanical deliverables. Confidentiality terms can be discussed before sharing sensitive drawings. Standard-platform sourcing and custom-development roles are defined at quotation stage. Permissions and commercial conditions related to use and delivery country are reviewed for the project.
Describe the ground-vehicle task and environment
Indoor transport, site inspection and carrying special equipment involve different conditions. Specify the load, operating area, ground conditions and access limits. Consider the operating space of carried equipment as well as vehicle dimensions. Controls and motion requirements are defined with the responsible system team.
Review chassis and equipment layout together
Plan attachment points, enclosures and maintenance access in the mechanical structure. Load position and use affect layout. Define space and access for batteries, electronics and other modules. Chassis design alone does not guarantee every vehicle task capability.
Choose a standard platform or custom structure
Review a standard platform against the task, load and interfaces. A custom chassis, superstructure or equipment holder can be developed for special needs. QDM can discuss defined mechanical design, prototype and production-file packages. Controls, navigation and system software are arranged separately with suitable specialists.
Separate trials from production preparation
A prototype can assess mechanical layout, service access or a particular task interface. Part standards, assembly sequence and repeatable sourcing become important in later production. State trial loads and operating conditions in advance. Concept renders should not be presented as verified field performance.
Prepare the initial requirements brief
Share the task, load, environment, existing modules and development stage. Specify required drawings, prototypes and production files. Confidentiality, design usage rights and production support can be discussed at quotation stage. Standard-platform sourcing and custom mechanical development responsibilities are clearly defined.
Frequently asked questions
Is QDM an authorised dealer for standard drone brands?
Authorised representation is stated only when supported by the relevant written agreement. This guide covers general sourcing and mechanical development scope.
Can I obtain support for just one attachment part?
A mechanical design or prototype package can be discussed with clearly defined inputs and deliverables.
Is system software included?
Mechanical and other disciplines are scoped separately at quotation stage; software is not automatically included.
Can a custom superstructure be made for an existing vehicle?
Design and prototyping support can be assessed using interface information and operating conditions.
Can I obtain CAD and production files only?
Deliverables, usage rights and scope can be agreed at quotation stage.
Does QDM supply navigation and autonomy software?
This guide addresses mechanical scope. Other system activities are separately scoped with project teams or specialist partners.
Let us review your requirements.
Share the vehicle type, task, existing platform and mechanical system to be developed so we can discuss design, customisation and prototyping scope.
Contact us