Russian Institute TsAGI conducts tests of a “convert-o-plane” type unmanned aircraft

TsAGI specialists completed another cycle of work on an unmanned aircraft of the “convert-o-plane” type.

This advanced aircraft combines the advantages of a helicopter (the capability of vertical takeoff and landing) and an aircraft (speed, flying distance and endurance). It is designed to monitor terrestrial issues and solve transportation tasks. This unmanned aircraft is capable of being stationed at unequipped small-area bases, and in the future can be used in different fields.

The main feature of this type of aircraft is a straight wing of moderate aspect ratio. It is composed of thick aerofoils and was designed by Oleg Kudryavtsev, a junior researcher of TsAGI’s Department of aerodynamics of aircraft and missiles, and Eugene Kovalenko, a Chief Designer of INNOTECH JSC.

Experiments to date show that, in general, the aerodynamic design is characterized by a high level of aerodynamic cleanness, which was expected for aircraft of this class. Aleksandr Kornushenko, a branch head in TsAGI’s Department of aerodynamics of aircraft and missiles, and a supervisor of projects on the aerodynamics of unmanned aircraft, said: “This platform became possible through an integrated approach to the wing design and the overall aircraft configuration, our main criteria. There is still much to do in the field of dynamics, stability and controllability, structural strength and aeroelasticity.”

In 2016 TsAGI will continue testing unmanned aircraft at its experimental facilities. The research will allow scientists to obtain critical data on aerodynamic characteristics, to test numerical methods, and to identify the peculiarities of construction flows in a wide range of angles of attack in aircraft and helicopter modes.

More info and pics: http://tsagi.com/pressroom/news/2489/