Technology Blog

Use of morphing flight surfaces has enabled the development of an unmanned plane that can operate in extreme weather conditions. Cutting-edge avionics ensure a smooth flight for extended rescue and surveillance missions, while reducing risks to material and crews.The EUREKA E! 3931 ASARP project has developed a small and cheap-to-build unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended to cut the cost of maritime search-and-rescue missions and reduce risks to material and human lives. The seaplane uses shape-changing technology to improve flight stability, enabling the plane to fly in severe weather conditions. The resulting craft has an endurance of 4.5 hours with a payload of up to 40 kg. It is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and onboard cameras. And it is linked wirelessly to the command centre from where the pilot can control the UAV. A prototype is currently undergoing final trials in Cyprus and the design is already attracting interest from governmental and civil rescue and surveillance organisations. Marit

"The main problem is that UAVs are small, light and affected by extreme weather," explains project coordinator Dr Michael Amprikidis of engineering consultancy GGD. ASARP tackled this by using reactive shape-changing control surfaces.
"Aeroservoelastic technology makes it possible to use wind speed and the structural mechanics of the system to our advantage," says Dr Amprikidis.
"Several technologies were used, including aeroservoelastic trim tabs," he says.
"We concluded electromagnetic actuators would work the best and found there was sufficient deflection at satisfactory frequencies," says Dr Amprikidis.