Demonstration of transition between wing- and thrust-borne flight with the Flexrotor miniature long-range aircraft

We envision a class of miniature robotic aircraft dubbed Flexrotors which offer range, endurance, and economy at levels associated with wing-borne flight, together with capability for hover and fully-automated turnaround. Routine operations of these aircraft will include dynamic transitions between wing- and thrust-borne flight, for launch and retrieval as well as for"hover-and-stare"interludes while underway. Ground testing and thrust-borne flights in Phase I, and hardware-in-loop transition simulations, have prepared us to move quickly into flight transitions in Phase II. Flight testing will encompass several candidate transition techniques, in calm and windy conditions, and at weights up to maximum gross. We expect that by the conclusion of Phase II these maneuvers will be common and routine throughout the flight envelope.