Technology for Dynamic Characterization of Micro-scale Aerial Vehicles

This program will apply Calspan’s background and experience to create a 6 Degree of Freedom motion apparatus and associated technologies for investigating flight mechanics, structural-aerodynamic interactions and flight controls of micro-scale aerial vehicles. This apparatus will be utilized to better understand the physics of these vehicles and assist researchers and developers by subjecting them to realistic and controlled conditions. This phase 1 program will conduct a detailed literature survey and perform discussions with the AFRL sponsor and MAV researchers and developers creating a set of detailed requirements for a support and measurement system. A design for the support and measurement system will be created. In addition this program will develop alternative concepts, prioritize the concepts and develop a final motion apparatus design to achieve the objectives of the program. BENEFIT: The 6 Degree of Freedom motion apparatus and associated technologies developed in this program will allow researchers to quantify the characteristics of micro-scale aerial vehicles necessary for design, simulation and development critical to maximizing their performance and minimizing structural weight. Enhanced levels of insight will also occur, allowing researchers to develop and validate models of the characteristics of new designs as missions and applications are developed. Commercial application by Calspan would include the development and installation of this apparatus in Calspan’s Low Speed tunnel and making this facility available for MAV developers and researchers in a similar (by the hour) cost model to that used in our Transonic Wind Tunnel. Commercial applications also include productizing the motion apparatus to allow its use in multiple research wind tunnel locations as well as in laboratories where controlled airflow is not required and only hovering characteristics are required.