Proceedings of SPIE, the International Society for Optical Engineering/Proceedings of SPIE · 2004 · 56 citations · 0 references
EngineeringAerospace EngineeringMechanical EngineeringAerospace StructuresAircraft DesignAircraft StructuresAerodynamic DesignAircraft Configuration DesignWing AerodynamicsWing DesignWing StructuresWing TheoryAdaptive StructuresControlled ExpansionExpansionMorphingMorphing StructuresMorphing Wing StructuresMorphing WingsWing Structure Design
Cornerstone Research Group, Inc. (CRG), with specific no-cost guidance and support from Lockheed Martin, proposed to significantly increase the capability of loitering Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) by developing a unique adaptive wing structure. This technology will offer significant operational benefit to air vehicles of this type currently under development. The development of this adaptive wing structure will enable such aircraft to adapt their wing configuration to maximize efficiency in each flight regime experienced during their mission. Additionally, the benefits of this development program will enhance the agility and maneuverability of the vehicle; therefore increasing its mission capability. The specific morphing ability CRG proposed to develop was a controlled expansion and contraction of the wing chord, which increases the wing planform area and therefore the lift produced. CRG proved feasibility of this concept and developed a sub-scale prototype integrating smart materials developed at CRG.