Hypersonic UAV Flowpath Design and Control

We will design a flowpath and a neural network based propulsion system controller for LoFlyte I, a remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) based upon the aerodynamics of the National AeroSpace Plane (NASP). This work will be the first step to a highly innovative RAM/SCRAM propulsion system and to a propulsion controller for the ultimate aircraft in the LoFlyte Unmanned Autonomous Vehicle (UAV) program series. The LoFlyte program will open the door to applications of the resultant hypersonic UAV technologies and ultimately make hypersonic RPVs and UAVs commercially viable and an important asset to the national defense strategy. In order to realize our long term goal of flying a hypersonic UAV, Accurate Automation has teamed with Lockheed Fort Worth and Mississippi State University. Drawing upon our research experience with the NASP program, we have initiated an innovative R&D program. This program will be three stage, beginning with the design and building of the Mach 0.5 RPV based on NASP aerodynamics and culminating in a hypersonic RPV. The LoFlyte program will hasten the coming age of hypersonic flight. Years of research have gone into optimizing the NASP aerodynamics for high speeds. If we can prove these aerodynamics at low speeds and lay the foundations for the required technologies in design, structures, materials, and manufacturing, we will have taken a giant step towards the goal of cost effective hypersonic flight. A generation of hypersonic cruise vehicles and cruise missiles could follow the LoFlyte program.