Rotor development for a miniature tilt-body UAV having long endurance and VTOL capability

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 VTOL. Such aircraft would use low-disc-loading rotors which must operate efficiently from zero advance ratio in thrust-borne flight, with rotor axis vertical, to high advance ratio in wing-borne cruise, with rotor axis horizontal. Our proposed Phase I work would advance structural and aerodynamic development of the necessary rotor blades, including wind-tunnel testing. Phase II would include demonstration of long range and endurance with a Flexrotor aircraft.