Inflatable wings as a UAV design alternative

Jamey D. Jacob, Suzanne W. Smith, Dave Cadogan, Steve Scarborough

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Inflatable wings have a number of advantages for small UAVs, particularly when wing packing or in flight morphing is required. The design of inflatable wings has progressed to the point where they are now a viable design alternative alternative for many UAVs. We have demonstrated the benefits of wing warping over conventional control surfaces and the survivability of inflatable wings in the field. The wings are slightly heavier than conventional wing designs and cannot carry internal items, such as fuel, and lack hard points, thus cannot be used when these are required. Regardless, design implications should be carefully weighed when considering use of inflatable components in a vehicle.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationAssociation for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International - Unmanned Systems North America Conference 2007
Pages404-418
Number of pages15
StatePublished - 2007
EventUnmanned Systems North America Conference 2007 - Washington, D.C., United States
Duration: Aug 6 2007Aug 9 2007

Publication series

NameAssociation for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International - Unmanned Systems North America Conference 2007
Volume1

Conference

ConferenceUnmanned Systems North America Conference 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWashington, D.C.
Period8/6/078/9/07

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Control and Systems Engineering

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