UAVs

A micro unmanned air vehicle (MAV) weighing 60g (2.12oz) and with a 200mm (7.9in) wingspan has been flight tested by its developer Fanwing.

The prototype completed short “hops” last year. Like larger versions of the design, the Fanwing uses a bladed rotor turning on a horizontal axis, which acts as a thick wing. The blades suck in air and push it up and over the wing, giving lift. Its inventor, Patrick Peebles, says: “When you get down to that scale, it becomes less efficient. The wing and rotor shape might have to be changed.”

Unlike larger versions, the MAV uses only rudder and elevator for control. Because of its small size, it will go into a banked turn with just rudder movement.

Peebles expects to have to perform extensive windtunnel testing because of the craft’s dramatic change in scale.

However, the project to design, build and flight test, begun in late-2003, is now on hold.

Peebles is focusing on the MAV (Flight International, 23-29 November 2004) and the development of a vertical take-off and landing variant.

ROB COPPINGER / LONDON