Structural Concept of Main Wings of High Altitude Unmanned Aerial Vehicle and Basic Properties of Thermoplastic Composites as Candidate Material

The basic concept of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) powered by microwave is defined first by specially developed CAD software. Tele-communication relay or earth observation platform is its possible application. Some preliminary research programs including propeller efficiency, electric power plant, basic structural concepts and material testings are undergoing at NAL. The present paper demonstrates the results of a structural concept study and early strength characterization at room and low(= -60 °C) temperature points for a system of CF/thermoplastic composite as one of candidate material of main structures. The concerned strength drop due to a wide difference of the low temperature environment from the processing point of CF/PEEK can not be observed.