New concept UAV fixed wing / props

[keesje]

A new approach it seems, able to do high speeds, 4-6 t category.

Sikorsky wins contract to build experimental VTOL aircraft (http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/sikorsky-wins-contract-to-build-experimental-vtol-aircraft-394374/)

http://www.flightglobal.com/assets/getasset.aspx?itemid=53888

Computerpower and fly by wire should make this flyable. I like the sturdy construction of this blown wing model. Only doubt I get from this artist impression is about stowing the fuel, little room left.

[ShotOne]

Are you sure it's blown wing? Clearly the prop wash does cover much of the wing area but looking at the wheels it looks like it's designed to land vertically.

[hoodie]

There's nothing new under the sun. :)

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/31/Lockheed_XFV-1_on_ground_bw.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/da/Lockheed_XFV-1_in_flight_with_T-33_c1954.jpg

[keesje]

yes a copy.. :8

ShotOne, I think vertikal landing and blown wing wouldn't exclude each other, the blown wing probably will enable the UAV to fly slow prior to conversing to vertical flight for landing.

IMO such a vehicle could e.g. increase the reach of a medium size navy ship.

[unmanned_droid]

The blown wing will be due to the span covered by prop wash. I should think they'll be handed props to give a consistent aero effect to both wings - as in the A400M.

[N2erk]

Convair did one too back then (pogostick?), but I don't know how to post photos.
This new one won't have probs of driver disorientation.

[Willard Whyte]

Doesn't really matter what a drone looks like, although obviously the size/aerodynamics should fit their intended role, it's the software that differentiates each design.

[NutLoose]

Sure the wing doesn't rotate as per the osprey?

[Willard Whyte]

The castor wheels on the upper and lower corners of the vertical surfaces suggest not. With no human to disorientate it makes sense to take off vertically and fly horizontally - if that's what suits the mission profile.

[NutLoose]

bringing its “unmanned rotor blown wing concept”