A Multi-Mission Enabling Technology for Unmanned Air Vehicles

The Naval Research Laboratory is involved in the research and early development of a number of different type small air vehicles. Principle among these are: the expendable short duration decoy platform, reusable long duration vehicles, and multiple mission extended duration vehicles. Platform type selected for utilization is driven by the mission to be performed and the cost constraints imposed upon decoy systems researched and fielded by the Navy. Missions may include: reconnaissance, surveillance, targeting, training, and ship/aircraft decoy protection. The Variable Endurance, Tactical Use Resource (VENTURE) focuses on a multi-mission role potential. Recent experiments have proven-out and expanded upon a technology which promises to deliver a truly multi-mission vehicle.