Drones without flaps
Popular Mechanics:
The Pentagon's Curious New X-Plane Maneuvers Using Only Blasts of Air
DARPA's New X-Plane Maneuvers Using Blasts of AirWikimedia Commons
DARPA, the Pentagon’s avant-garde advanced technologies research program, just revealed the name of a new drone technology demonstrator designed to test active flow control (AFC) systems, which could improve fuel efficiency and reduce radar signatures by allowing for more aerodynamic aircraft geometry than before.
The “experimental uncrewed aircraft” will be named the X-65, and will use banks of compressed air nozzles to execute maneuvers “without traditional, exterior-moving flight controls” like hinged flaps, rudders, ailerons, elevators, and spoilers.
Such traditional flight control surfaces inevitably involve added weight and complexity.
...
There is much more.
The plane's system for maneuvering is designed to make the drone more stealthy. The article also indicates that other planes will be designed to use the new system.
Comments
Post a Comment