HQ-55 VTOL UAS for Ship Based Operation

TECHNICAL ABSTRACT: The Hybrid Quadrotor concept, developed by Latitude Engineering, combines the high power density of electric motors and propellers with the high energy density of a piston engine and liquid fuel. Together, each technology enables maximum performance in HQ's two regimes of flight: the electric system is responsible for lift while hovering (high power, short endurance), and the gas engine gives long endurance in fixed wing flight (low power, long endurance). Latitude proposes to address NOAA's requirement for a ship based UAS capable of carrying a 15lb payload and operating from ships, or confined land areas, by combining the lessons learned fron the development of the HQ-40 and HQ-90 aircraft. The resulting HQ-55 aircraft will have a higher useful load fraction than any previous HQ aircraft design, while staying under the 55lb limit to allow operations under the new Part 107 regulations. Phase I provide the feasibility of the HQ-55 by creating an initial design and a prototype airframe, which was successfully flown. Phase II will see the refinement and “productionization” of the airframe, the integration of NOAA’s aerosol sampling payload and flight tests conducted from a NOAA ship at sea.SUMMARY OF ANTICIPATED RESULTS: The outcome of the proposed project will be a high performance VTOL UAS capable of carrying a specified 15lb aerosol sampling payload while operating from a ship. The goal is to provide 10 hours of endurance and maintain flexibility for additional payload integrations. In Phase II, the airframe will be refined, including full integration of a fuel injected engine, transponder, and communication systems. Flight testing throughout the performance envelope will be conducted, including from a NOAA ship pending availability.