Aurora Flight Sciences will in January launch flight tests of a 7kg (16lb) derivative of the GoldenEye unmanned air vehicle, in a bid to display the aircraft's ability to transition from vertical to horizontal flight for the first time, writes Stephen Trimble.
This capability was demonstrated in initial flight testing of the GoldenEye-50, but Aurora is planning only a limited risk mitigation effort with this platform, with more aggressive testing to take place as the company completes the design of several smaller and less expensive UAVs.
"We want to be able to afford to build many of these things and can afford to lose two or three in flight testing," says Carl Schaefer, Aurora's programme manager for local area surveillance.
The GoldenEye-50 is aimed at commercial and civil government customers, including first responders and maritime surveillance missions. Its sister model, the 65kg GoldenEye-100, is designed to approximate the US Army's need for a short-range vertical take-off and landing UAV.
Aurora plans a sales push for the GoldenEye family next year, says Amit Morag, vice-president of business development. Morag says the US Army and US Coast Guard are expected to unveil contract requirements for such a vehicle in the near future. International opportunities are being pursued, Schaefer says.
Aurora's GoldenEye family is distinguished by low noise and heat signatures. The propulsion system is shrouded within a centre-body. The heat of the engine is blended with cool air from the ducted-fan, says Morag.
Another feature is near-autonomous flight controls. "We want to get away from any piloting skills that would be required," says Morag. "The aircraft is always making an orbit around the waypoint or going to the waypoint. You can upload a new [waypoint] script at any point."
Source: Flight International
