Aircraft

Supaero designs slow-flying MAV

By Rob Coppinger

Studies lead to development of biplane prototype

A prototype biplane micro air vehicle (MAV) with staggered wings connected by large winglets could be demonstrated next year.

The biplane design is an attempt to overcome the need for a high airspeed to keep a fixed-wing MAV airborne. Research at Supaero, the French national university of aeronautics and space in Toulouse, found that a biplane, bi-motor configuration can improve low-speed performance.

Weighing just 80g (2.82oz), the 200mm (7.87in)-span vehicle has staggered wings to achieve an optimum ratio between the upper and lower root cords for lift. The wings are joined at their tips by winglets to provide stability and rigidity. The horizontal tail is situated in the wake of the two pusher propellers to provide effective pitch control at very low airspeed. An early design has flown at speeds of 5m/s (9.8kt/18km/h) and 10m/s.

“A propeller at the trailing edge of the upper wing has the higher lift force,” said Professor Jean-Marc Moschetta, presenting the university’s research at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Lanchester Day aerodynamics event on 14 September. The MAV’s payload is a video camera and transmitter and it would have an autopilot.

With about $100,000 in French defence ministry and regional government funding, the MAV could be ready for the third US-European Micro Air Vehicle competition to be held in Toulouse next year.