Hello, and thank you for taking the time to learn about Project Vertex.

Project Vertex is an emergency response drone development project focused on creating a hybrid VTOL aircraft capable of delivering critical medical supplies to hard-to-reach locations. The goal is to combine the vertical takeoff and landing ability of a drone with the range and efficiency of a fixed-wing aircraft, allowing supplies to reach areas where ground response may be delayed by distance, traffic, terrain, or disaster conditions.

During our first phase of development, we designed and built the initial Project Vertex prototype as a senior-year engineering project. While the first version did not reach full flight testing, it gave us valuable experience in airframe design, propulsion layout, electronics integration, manufacturing, and the practical challenges of building a complex aircraft from the ground up.

After completing the first prototype, we determined that the most effective next step is a second-version redesign. V2 will use the lessons from the original prototype to create a more refined, efficient, and realistic aircraft platform. This next version will focus on improved structure, cleaner integration, better manufacturability, stronger flight readiness, and a more practical development path.

The aircraft is designed around a modular emergency supply payload, allowing it to transport lightweight medical or response equipment to areas that may be difficult to access quickly by ground. Rather than replacing responders, the goal is to support them by moving critical supplies, communication tools, or assessment equipment closer to where they are needed. The aircraft is also intended to support situational awareness through onboard camera systems, allowing responders to assess a scene, confirm a location, and better understand conditions before arriving.

Our first round of fundraising helped make the original prototype possible. Those funds went toward early materials, electronics, propulsion components, manufacturing, and testing needs. We are now moving into Phase 2 with a larger summer development goal.

Our total campaign goal is now $15,000. This includes the funding already raised and used for Phase 1, along with approximately $10,000 in new funding needed to support the V2 redesign and summer development phase.

Funds raised during this next phase will support:

Propulsion components, motors, ESCs, and propellers

Flight control hardware, GPS, telemetry, and onboard electronics

Batteries, wiring, connectors, and power systems

Airframe materials, structural components, and manufacturing

Testing hardware, safety equipment, and replacement parts

Camera, communication, and payload system development

Iterative prototyping, redesign, and refinement

Engineering projects like this require testing, redesign, and improvement based on real-world results. Parts may need to be replaced, systems may need to be reworked, and design changes are expected as the aircraft develops. This funding will allow Project Vertex to move forward with the resources needed to build, test, and refine the next version properly.

As the team transitions after graduation, I, Sebastian Vega, will continue leading Project Vertex through its next phase of development. Work will continue through the summer, with development based between Maryland and Florida as the project moves forward.

Supporters will be able to follow the progress of V2 through updates, design milestones, build progress, testing, and documentation. Every donation helps move Project Vertex from the first prototype into a stronger and more capable second version.

Thank you to everyone who supported the first phase of Project Vertex. Your support made the original prototype possible, and this next phase builds directly on what was learned from it.