Using wind shear, thermals and gusts to create lift could allow unmanned aircraft to fly longer
A robotic albatross gliding at 200 mph is a dramatic demonstration of how wind power can be harnessed. But it is just one of several projects showing how unmanned aircraft can use air currents, from thermals and ridge lift to wind shear and even turbulence, to increase their endurance from hours to days. The robotic albatross is the brainchild of Philip Richardson of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (Mass.). Like its feathered counterpart, the aircraft harnesses wind shear—the ...
THIS CONTENT REQUIRES SUBSCRIPTION ACCESS
You must be a paid subscriber to access "Bird-Inspired Soaring Promises To Extend UAV Endurance".
Current Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) enterprise and individual members: please go to http://awin.aviationweek.com for access.
Not currently a subscriber? Click on the "Learn More" button below to view subscription offers.