Preliminary Design of a Modular Unmanned Research Vehicle. Volume 2. Subsystem Technical Development Design Study

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Preliminary Design of a Modular Unmanned Research Vehicle. Volume 2. Subsystem Technical Development Design Study

C. D. Hall / R. L. Johnson / P. J. Lamatsch / D. A. McCabe / P. J. Mueller

This thesis presents the analysis and development of a modular unmanned research vehicle (MURV) to support AFIT's aeronautical research. The MURV is proposed as a test vehicle to permit experimental efforts beyond the restrictions of pure analytical and wind tunnel research, yet less costly and more accessible than full-scale flight tests. A classical systems approach was applied, in concert with a conventional aircraft design process, which emphasized system level needs and objectives in the design of MURV subsystems. Primary design drivers were the need for adequate data acquisition for anticipated experiments, structural and functional modularity to permit simple reconfiguration, and focus on a set of unique experiments relating to fighter-like supermaneuverability. The supermaneuverability experiments dictated that the general arrangement of the MURV baseline design would resemble a typical modern fighter aircraft configuration, the recommended baseline being a turbojet-powered delta wing design with canards, single vertical tail, and control-configured ventral fins. Modularity implications resulted in the design of a flexible, digital flight control system with primary functions distributed between the vehicle and a remote pilot/control ground station and a fuselage design which allows for relocation and replacement of wings and tails or canards. The data acquisition system is fully integrated with the flight control system and the remote ground station. The MURV is capable of flight speeds approaching 260 knots for altitudes up to 20,000 feet, and has fuel to fly for over 30 mins. Theses. (EDC)