Innovative Quiet Unmanned Air Vehicle Technologies

Operation at low altitude renders Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV''s) susceptible to detection and countermeasures. Not only does this limit their role in covert missions, but their loss rate due to simple air defenses can be high. Expanded mission profiles are desired for UAV’s where low probability of detection is paramount. In this Phase I program, Infoscitex (IST) proposes to utilize a novel lightweight acoustic abatement material for the development of a UAV propeller shroud that targets a specific tonal profile at cruising speeds. The proposed shroud is a modular add-on component with minimal impact on aircraft performance metrics. IST’s material solution enables optimization of liner performance that achieves maximum sound absorption for a desired frequency profile, as well as lightweight components. IST will utilize a systematic, semi-empirical approach in this effort which involves collecting noise data from a relevant UAV and culminates with a first generation prototype in a ground test. Additionally, a tradeoff study will be performed to identify any changes in mission profile attributed to integrating a new component on the airframe. The Phase II work plan will consist of a spiral design and test process to develop a solution for a specific UAV.