The evolution of SkyTote’s payload capabilities has created a more realistic mechanical system, rather than a simplified concept demonstrator. Yet this same progress has also created more challenges for developers: “We had to choose a different type of engine—a 52 hp engine from UAV Engines, Ltd., a ‘real’ engine [that you might see] in a car,” Mr. Cord states. “Our vehicle is 208 lbs, so we’ve grown significantly. We added a more complex transmission, too.”

A more complex, heavier mechanical system also meant that developers had to look closely at the control aspects of the vehicle. “The reason for this is that excess power reduces the need for a carefully conceived flight control system and helps avoid several problem areas, such as loss of control. With a lesser thrust-to-weight [ratio], we have to rely on the flight control system and the pilot to keep us out of dangerous flight conditions. Autonomous control gives us an advantage during testing because it provides safer, more efficient tests,” Mr. Cord explains.

The expectation is that during testing, SkyTote will demonstrate its capacity to take off, hover, and transition from hover to wing-borne flight and back. As a precaution, a pilot will stand by to take control of the vehicle, but researchers will use autonomous controls to test most of SkyTote’s functionality. This current phase of the development program will conclude after SkyTote successfully achieves five complete transitions from hover to wing-borne flight and back.

Ms. Karen Jackson (Anteon Corporation), of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Public Affairs Office, wrote this article. For more information, contact TECH CONNECT at (800) 203-6451 or place a request at http://www.afrl.af.mil/techconn_index.asp. Reference document HQ-H-06-06.

References

¹ Cord, T. J. “The SkyTote Unmanned Air Vehicle.” AFRL Technology Horizons®, vol 3, no 2 (Jun 02): 35-36. http://www. afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/Jun02/VA0201.html.
² Withrow, M. “The Future Unmanned Air Vehicle.” AFRL Technology Horizons®, vol 5, no 6 (Dec 04): 48-49. http://www. afrlhorizons.com/Briefs/Dec04/VA0308.html.