Re: Aviones sin piloto (UAV, UCAV, drone)
Publicado: Mié May 26, 2010 8:49 pm
Apuntamos dos nuevos. Uno que funciona con enchufe, el ETOP de IAI: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... esign.html
Y otro con hidrógeno, el Global Observer de Aero Vironment: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... light.html
By Arie Egozi
Israel Aerospace Industries is developing a new line of hovering air vehicles for military and civilian applications, with its first system dubbed the electric tethered observation platform (ETOP).
The electric-powered tethered platform will be used for observation and other applications and can be deployed from a fixed station or moving ground vehicle.
Although hovering vehicles are usually hindered by having to carry a heavy energy source, the ETOP gets around this problem by leaving such equipment on the ground.
The platform's propellers can be used to hover at a predetermined altitude above ground for long periods, with endurance limited only by the ground platform's energy storage capability.
© Israel Aerospace Industries
IAI says the design can carry a payload of up to 20kg (44lb) to a maximum altitude of 328ft (100m), and does not need an operator.
The first prototype of the ETOP system has completed its first 10 flight tests, while a second is also now in use. The system will be operational by 2011.
Y otro con hidrógeno, el Global Observer de Aero Vironment: http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/20 ... light.html
By Alex Derber
The first AeroVironment Global Observer unmanned aircraft has completed ground testing before its first flight.
The unmanned aircraft system is designed to stay aloft continuously for between five and seven days, providing "ultra-persistent" communications and surveillance coverage.
After system trials in March and April, Aircraft 1 most recently performed taxi tests at Edwards AFB, California. These confirmed its autonomous propulsion, datalink operation, steering and braking, the company says.
© AeroVironment
Once fully operational, Global Observer's eight wing-mounted engines are to be powered by liquid hydrogen fuel cells.
Initial flight-testing, however, will consist of low-altitude battery-powered flights to evaluate airworthiness and handling qualities.
After this is complete, surveillance and communication payloads will be loaded for testing.
Six US government agencies have contributed $120 million to the joint capability technology demonstration programme under which Global Observer is being developed.