Seeking engineering advice: two specialised UAV projects (delivery & surveillance)

Hi all,

I’m a 2nd-year Mechanical Engineering student working on a long-term project to design two specialized UAVs:

1. Delivery UAV: For e-commerce and quick commerce logistics, focusing on payload capacity (~2–3 kg), range (~10–15 km), and obstacle avoidance in urban areas.

2. Surveillance UAV: For police/military use, equipped with thermal/infrared cameras, long endurance (~60 minutes), and stealth features for reconnaissance.

The projects will span 2 years and involve iterative prototyping and testing. I’m thinking of collaborating with students from the ECE branch.

Challenges I'm Facing:

1. Should I prioritize separate designs or explore a modular approach for versatility?

2. Suggestions for aerodynamic optimization and lightweight materials for UAV frames.

3. Recommendations for simulation tools (e.g., CFD, structural analysis) that can be used on a student license.

Any advice, resources, or insights into UAV design would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks in advance!