In the spring of 2007, an interdepartmental design team of seniors from both Electrical 
and Computer Engineering and Mechanical Engineering developed a tank capable of shooting 
T-Shirts into the crowd at Michigan State University sporting events.  The popularity of 
this idea led MSU President Lou Anna Simon and Dean of Engineering Satish Udpa to suggest 
that a new and improved, larger Sparty Tank be designed to promote school spirit at home sporting events and possibly to advertise Michigan State University at professional sporting events.  The original tank featured very limited mobility and firing capacity, and as such, the major objectives for this semester’s work are to correct these shortcomings.  The new design will also be larger to enhance the tank’s visibility from the stands, but the weight will be kept to a minimum in order to maintain ease of transport for the tank.  

To accomplish this task, a new design team has been formed consisting of four seniors 
each from Mechanical Engineering and Electrical and Computer Engineering.  There are no 
initial specifications except for suggestions for improvement over the original design, 
made by Rick Church of Michigan State University’s Sports Broadcasting, which operates 
the original tank.  Among upgrades being considered are a wireless camera capable of 
supplying a live feed to the large screen display at sporting arenas.  Costs incurred 
in the development of the new tank design will be borne by Michigan State University.