Common Research Configuration for Collaborative Advancement of Scalable VTOL UAS Technologies

A scalable vehicle configuration is proposed to advance knowledge and understanding of the scalability characteristics of the platform technologies. Fundamental parameters and scaling laws are described to highlight the challenges of improving key performance attributes of efficiency, maneuverability and detectability. Based on the simplicity of design and significant prior development, quad-biplane tail sitter configurations of 20, 50, and 1000lb gross weight have been selected as the designs for common research configuration. Ongoing research efforts in the area of aerodynamics, structural dynamics, aeroelasticity, flight stability & control, and acoustics are briefly highlighted. Inter-dependence of the research efforts showed that the common research configuration can be a powerful enabler for the research community.