Demonstration of transition between wing- and thrust-borne flight with the Flexrotor miniature long-range aircraft Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Sol No.: Navy SBIR FY2010.2 Topic No.: N102-172 Topic Title: Demonstration of transition between wing- and thrust-borne flight with the Flexrotor miniature long-range aircraft Proposal No.: N102-172-1040 Firm: Aerovel Corporation 83 Oak Ridge Rd White Salmon, Washington 98672-8114 Contact: Tad McGeer Phone: (541) 490-4103 Web Site: www.aerovelco.com Abstract: We envision a class of miniature robotic aircraft dubbed Flexrotors which offer range, endurance, and economy at levels associated with wing-borne flight, together with capability for hover and VTOL. Routine operations of these aircraft will include dynamic transitions between wing- and thrust-borne flight, for launch and retrieval as well as for "hover-and-stare" interludes while underway. We propose to demonstrate transitions in Phase I using Aerovel's first Flexrotor prototype. In Phase II we would apply our control techniques to a refined long-range Flexrotor, for demonstration of not only transitions, but also precise positioning relative to a small boat in rough conditions. Benefits: Miniature VTOL aircraft promise substantially to reduce acquisition and deployment costs for robotic-aircraft systems, while offering unprecedented capability. Consequently they may well make robotic aircraft competitive in multiple new applications for which current designs are uneconomic. Commercial possibilities include ship-based imaging reconnaissance, geomagnetic survey, weather reconnaissance, and atmospheric research. Return