Challenges of Ultralong Flight Endurances Using Small Uninhabited Aerial Vehicles

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Advancements in electric propulsion technologies have led to a proliferation of uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAV). In addition, new battery technologies and progress with regenerative energy sources have made imaginable UAV missions that were previously unimaginable. In particular, these new advancements have made conceivable ultralong nonstop-flight times that exceed several months, even with the constraint of a relatively small aircraft design of less than 50 kg flight mass. The ability to fly for ultralong times will enable many new and innovative applications using UAVs, especially many that serve Canadian needs. For example, such aircraft can serve as low-cost, long-term observation platforms for climate-change related research or as communication hubs in sparsely populated areas. The proposed research program aims at advancing the underlying aircraft-related technologies, as well as the required design and operational understanding that are needed to make near-perpetual flight possible in the very near future. Specifically, the proposed research program aims to solve the challenges related to the integration of the different technologies that are required for small UAV with ultra-long flight endurances. These technological challenges are related to autonomy, flightpath planning, long-term reliability, low-speed aerodynamics, power management and propulsion as well as payload-integration and structural requirements. Aside from developing and demonstrating the ability to fly for ultralong flight times, the proposed research plan is in direct support of my long-term research goal, which is to advance our understanding of the aerodynamics and flight dynamics of UAVs in order to improve their utility. The proposed methodology is innovative and highly original in aeronautics and will use novel modeling and testing approaches. It will expand on the experience and methods that my research group has developed under my supervision over the past years. The planned approach is to: a) Develop theoretical tools for design-space explorations and mission planning, c) Explore power management concepts needed for near-perpetual flight, for example solar power, b) Investigate innovative flightpaths that enhance the flight performance, such as wake surfing. The theoretical models and concepts will be implemented and validated in wind-tunnel tests using Ryerson University's large wind tunnel and in flight tests using various existing and new UAVs. The research will provide relevant training to at least six HQP in a rapidly expanding discipline of aeronautics. The development of near-perpetual flight capabilities will continue to advance Canada's UAV industry with advanced expertise and new concepts. In addition, near-perpetual flight holds possible solutions to many commercial and research challenges that are specific to Canada and require long-term, low-cost airborne platforms, such as for communication or environmental observation needs.