Stealth UAV with Integrated Propulsion, Control, and Powered Lift

Compositex proposes to develop and demonstrate a revolutionary powered lift, propulsion, and control system for a small, high-performance, stealth UAV platform. The proposed aircraft system is a unique configuration that utilizes upper surface blowing(USB) to propel and control the craft, while also enabling it to attain a very high (>6) maximum lift coefficients, resulting in very low minimum airspeeds. The system concept is very simple, allowing dramatic weight reductions and improved reliability,with excellent prospects for all-weather operation, improved ground crew safety, and noise reduction on small UAV platforms. The proposed Phase 1 effort includes basic research, the development of design/analysis tools, and the design, fabrication, andaerodynamic testing of a proof-of-concept prototype UAV. The prototype test article includes fully powered USB devices and wind tunnel-style instrumentation. The degree of control effectiveness and propulsive efficiency will be characterizedexperimentally on the full-scale test article. At the conclusion of the Phase I effort, the results from a 3-D potential flow CFD analysis will be compared to experimental test data.A small, lightweight, all-weather UAV platform, invisible to radar, andable to loiter at extremely low minimum airspeeds would be a very useful tool in close-in surveillance missions. It is also low cost, simple, reliable, and relatively quiet when operating. The technology is adaptable to several other aircraftapplications.