Vectored-Thrust MAV for BIA Operations in Urban Environments

Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG), proposes to design and demonstrate a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) micro air vehicle (MAV) with vectored thrust for high maneuverability and platform stability. CRG will design and demonstrate a MAV providing the capabilities necessary for operating in cluttered urban environments while transferring real time reconnaissance information for bomb impact assessment (BIA). The proposed multi-degree-of-freedom (DOF) MAV will use a vectored thrust propulsion system designed to allow the MAV body to remain level during all stages of flight while providing high maneuverability for collision avoidance in low-altitude operations. Lightweight structural components are essential to the design of a VTOL MAV where thrust-to-weight ratios greater than 1 are required. To accomplish this, CRG will employ its lightweight high-strength syntactic materials in the design of the MAV structure. In Phase I CRG will develop and validate performance of the vectored thrust propulsion system, design a lightweight integrated structure, and select and evaluate microelectronics for control architecture (stability, navigation, communications). In addition, CRG will fabricate and demonstrate a radio-controlled (R/C) prototype MAV.