Design, fabrication and test of a vertical attitude takeoff and landing unmanned air vehicle.
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Authors
Stoney, Robert Brian
Subjects
Advisors
Howard, Richard M.
Date of Issue
1993-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
en_US
Abstract
Future fleet needs for real-time intelligence require an unmanned
platform capable of operations from small surface combatants
without the need for extensive support personnel or equipment and
without causing disruption to the operations of the ship from which
it operates. A candidate must not only takeoff and land vertically
but also be capable of high forward flight speeds and efficient onstation
performance. The design and initial fabrication of a Vertical
Attitude Takeoff and Landing (VATOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV)
airframe was completed at the Naval Postgraduate School. The
vehicle, called Archytas, was a combination of two existing UAV's--
the AROD and Aquila--as well as locally manufactured components,
including a canard support structure and wing spar. The objective of
creating Archytas was to provide a proof-of-concept platform for
research to explore performance trade-offs and stability augmentation. A three-degree-of-freedom simulation was used as
the focus of the design efforts, to validate design decisions made in
the fields of propulsion, aerodynamics, structures and flight
mechanics. Engine tests were conducted to determine thrust and
control power. Structural components were designed, fabricated and
then tested, making modifications where necessary to ensure
sufficient airframe strength. A longitudinal control system was
designed, validated by simulation, and tested structurally.
Type
Thesis
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Format
223 p.
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.