Accession Number:

ADA505728

Title:

Pressurized Structure Technology for UAVS

Descriptive Note:

Conference paper

Corporate Author:

ARMY RESEARCH LAB ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND MD VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORATE

Personal Author(s):

• Edge, H.
• Nixon, M.
• Janas, A.
• Ross, W.
• Collins, J.

Report Date:

2008-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

10.0

Abstract:

There is a critical need to improve the performance and utility of unmanned aerial vehicles UAVs. Several areas of UAV performance need to be improved for the next generation of UAVS to be used successfully in expanded future combat roles. For example current time aloft is only on the order of an hour or two for electric-powered UAVs. The current generation of UAVs lacks vertical takeoff and landing VTOL capability and precision slow-speed maneuverability required for urban navigation and targeting. In addition, the UAVs are not capable of stealth, and are easily spotted andor heard. These deficiencies are related mostly to the airframe and method of propulsion. Most fielded UAVs are currently based on fixed-wing or rotor-craft airframes and thus are constrained to their flight characteristics. UAV propulsion using ducted fans may also be fielded. In general, these vehicles require the motors, electrical or internal combustion to be running at high speed to keep the UAV aloft. This requires a substantial amount of energy and generates noise at excessive levels. One way to address the deficiencies of the UAVs just listed is to employ lighter-than-air or pressurized structure-based PSB technology. Basically, the UAV will be built such that a considerable percentage of its weight is supported by or constructed from inflatable structures containing air or helium. PSB technology will reduce the amount of energy required to keep the UAV aloft thus allowing the use of smaller, slower, and quieter motors. An airframe near neutral buoyancy will allow much slower flight speeds and increased maneuverability while expending little power. PSB airframes used in conjunction with technologies such as solar cells may be able to stay aloft for extended periods of time.

Descriptors:

• *URBAN AREAS
• *DEFICIENCIES
• *SURVEILLANCE DRONES
• *AIRSHIPS
• AERODYNAMIC CHARACTERISTICS
• HELIUM
• TRADE OFF ANALYSIS
• DESIGN CRITERIA
• STEALTH TECHNOLOGY
• AIRCRAFT NOISE
• ENERGY MANAGEMENT
• HIGH PRESSURE
• CONTROL SYSTEMS
• SYMPOSIA
• REQUIREMENTS
• MANEUVERABILITY

Subject Categories:

• Pilotless Aircraft
• Lighter-than-air Aircraft

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE