BACKGROUND
Fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are Fixed-wing UAVs offer advantages such as long range, endurance, payload capacity, altitude, aerodynamic efficiency, quiet operation, and are ideal for mapping large areas, surveying, and agricultural monitoring. However, fixed wing designs face limitations related to obstructed forward visuals and bulky transport and take off. To overcome the limitations, many designs resorted to folded flat wing designs which create limitations. The common folded flat wing design like Swift Engineering’s Fortus platform and ALTIUS’s 600 series drone are portable but include a hinged wing causes that inherently creates a stress point limiting turning radii and the moving parts increases opportunities for failures. Many flat wings are hand launched limiting size and payload capacity. Alternatively, fixed wing UAVs commonly use pneumatic rails which have transport issues and increased space requirements to accommodate the rail and separate drone body. Furthermore, the moving parts open the opportunity for mechanical errors in launch. In attempts to ensure unobstructed forward visuals, the market offers either a podded motor, a twin tailboom assembly, or a twin engine prop on wings configuration. These configurations either limit the prop diameter to smaller than aerodynamically ideal or present increased complexity.
SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY
Researchers at OSU developed CENTAURS, a center tube-launched airframe initially developed for autonomous swarms, marking a significant advancement in fixed wing UAV capabilities for unobstructed forward visuals and transport/launch of multiple crafts. This groundbreaking technology redefines fixed-wing aircraft. It combines unmatched agility and revolutionary launch capabilities that go beyond typical range and endurance.
Key to its functionality is the unique power and launch mechanism via an electric ring motor with unobstructed space for the optimum propellor along a pneumatic launch support. The combination guarantees increased top speed, shorter turning radius, efficient deployment, enhancing operational readiness and reduced downtime. Additionally, the airframe is equipped with unobstructed forward-facing cameras that enable advanced search and guidance functions, improving situational awareness for ideal mission success rates. These advancements boost reliability and optimize performance, all while prioritizing a design tailored for efficient manufacturability. By reducing reliance on aerospace-grade materials, such as composite layups and high-strength members, and minimizing part counts, the design unlocks cost-effective production in non-aerospace facilities. With potential applications in surveillance, environmental monitoring, humanitarian deliveries, and disaster response, it effectively addresses existing limitations in speed, agility, range, endurance, and launch efficiency, paving the way for future advancements in autonomous aerial systems.
POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION
- Non-aerospace Manufacturing Potential: Reduced scale up time; Large inventories delivered fast
- Military and Defense: Surveillance, Reconnaissance, Intelligence Gathering, and Command-and-Control Missions. Fast deployment. Extended range.
- Commercial Cargo Delivery: Efficient transport to remote areas. Cost-effective.
- Search and Rescue Operations: Rapid response. Quick launches. Reliable imaging.
MAIN ADVANTAGES
- Design for Manufacturability: Low part count, reduced used of aerospace grade materials.
- Extended Range: Fly farther. Stay longer.
- Advanced Guidance: Unobstructed forward visibility. Track targets with ease. Enhanced safety.
- Versatile Use: Military and commercial. Mission ready. Humanitarian and Consumer applications