Rapid Prototyped, Blended-Wing-Body UAV
Discussion
Here's something I've been involved with at work recently. Might be of interest?
It's a UAV prototype; the airframe was designed specifically for, and manufactured entirely by, the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process in ABS plastic. Build time is less than 24 hours due to the build not requiring support material. The whole thing can be snapped together in a few seconds. The only additional things needed to fly it are servos, batteries and radio gear. We tested it as a slope soaring glider to prove the aero, and we're now adding twin EDF propulsion. Next steps will be using an experimental FDM material with an increase in strength:weight of around 60%. After that, maybe a bit of wing morphing and a few other bells and whistles for good measure:
And here's a link to the case study, which includes a video of the test flight:
http://www.amrc.co.uk/featuredstudy/printed-uav/
BTW, the lumps and bumps taped to the upper surfaces are the video camera and lead weight for initial CG trimming.
Thanks!
It's a UAV prototype; the airframe was designed specifically for, and manufactured entirely by, the Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) process in ABS plastic. Build time is less than 24 hours due to the build not requiring support material. The whole thing can be snapped together in a few seconds. The only additional things needed to fly it are servos, batteries and radio gear. We tested it as a slope soaring glider to prove the aero, and we're now adding twin EDF propulsion. Next steps will be using an experimental FDM material with an increase in strength:weight of around 60%. After that, maybe a bit of wing morphing and a few other bells and whistles for good measure:
And here's a link to the case study, which includes a video of the test flight:
http://www.amrc.co.uk/featuredstudy/printed-uav/
BTW, the lumps and bumps taped to the upper surfaces are the video camera and lead weight for initial CG trimming.
Thanks!
What can you tell us about it's availability? As in, is this a prototype for a commercial production run or will the files be available to buy etc?
I'd like to surprise someone with one of those (and not in the traditional PH way - wouldn't fit).
Ah, hang about - just read the link you provided!
I'd like to surprise someone with one of those (and not in the traditional PH way - wouldn't fit).
Ah, hang about - just read the link you provided!
Edited by ReaderScars on Monday 17th March 23:22
ReaderScars said:
What can you tell us about it's availability? As in, is this a prototype for a commercial production run or will the files be available to buy etc?
I'd like to surprise someone with one of those (and not in the traditional PH way - wouldn't fit).
Ah, hang about - just read the link you provided!
It's not a commercial project - pure research to see how far we can push the RP technology in terms of time to build, cost and strength etc., plus maybe a bit of electronics...I'd like to surprise someone with one of those (and not in the traditional PH way - wouldn't fit).
Ah, hang about - just read the link you provided!
Edited by ReaderScars on Monday 17th March 23:22
You could call it Blue Sky research
Come on then Doc...time to go up a size: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/worlds-first-full-siz...
I'll be at the building next to yours in a week or two....can i help test your plane?
I'll be at the building next to yours in a week or two....can i help test your plane?
mcdjl said:
Come on then Doc...time to go up a size: http://www.geeky-gadgets.com/worlds-first-full-siz...
I'll be at the building next to yours in a week or two....can i help test your plane?
That's an epic effort. Must be a great feeling to build your own kayak, PLUS to have built the machine that built it!I'll be at the building next to yours in a week or two....can i help test your plane?
Which building are you in? When we get the powered prototype finished we'll probably be testing it nearby.
dr_gn said:
That's an epic effort. Must be a great feeling to build your own kayak, PLUS to have built the machine that built it!
Which building are you in? When we get the powered prototype finished we'll probably be testing it nearby.
Normally no where near by but I should be visiting TWI sometime soon. Odds are it won't be the right day though.Which building are you in? When we get the powered prototype finished we'll probably be testing it nearby.
mcdjl said:
dr_gn said:
That's an epic effort. Must be a great feeling to build your own kayak, PLUS to have built the machine that built it!
Which building are you in? When we get the powered prototype finished we'll probably be testing it nearby.
Normally no where near by but I should be visiting TWI sometime soon. Odds are it won't be the right day though.Which building are you in? When we get the powered prototype finished we'll probably be testing it nearby.
Max_Torque said:
Like that! It looks a bit lively in Pitch though....... ;-)
Yes, spot on. We were adjusting trim and balance point on those flights by moving the ballast around. It was too far forward, so I was flying it with almost full up elevator in that sequence; whenever I instinctively centered the stick, it pitched down.
rhinochopig said:
Wing morphing as in aeroelastic control? i.e. X-53 tech.
As in anything we can think of. I've got some experience of twist-wing (pitcheron) design:
...and one of the X-53 concepts was effectively to twist the wings via. tabs, giving a similar effect.
There are loads of variations on the theme though.
Powered version tested last month:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4lrtOc736M
Case study to follow in case anyone's bothered.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v4lrtOc736M
Case study to follow in case anyone's bothered.
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