UAS as flexible and innovative test platform for aircraft configuration and systems testing

• Main Authors: Bergmann Dominique Paul, Denzel Jan, Strohmayer Andreas
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: EDP Sciences 2018-01-01
• Series: MATEC Web of Conferences
• Online Access: https://doi.org/10.1051/matecconf/201823300001

Today new technologies are available, which can be decisive for the success of future aircraft design. However, the gap between conventional designs and new visions often comes with a high financial risk. This complicates the integration of innovations significantly. The “Flightpath 2050 Europe’s Vision for Aviation” asks for new aircraft concepts and configurations to meet future requirements such as emission (CO2, NOx), noise and fuel consumption reduction. Scaled UAS are one way for getting new configurations and technologies into flight test while reducing the risk of exploding costs. UAS are cost-efficient test platform systems for two main tasks of future aircraft tests: Testing new configurations and advancing new aircraft systems and technologies from upstream research to TRL5-6. UAS can represent a connection between innovative research and flight demonstration. This paper focuses on the UAS as an innovative test platform and a tool for feasibility demonstration as well as its impact on new technologies and the implementation of innovative concepts. An example of a UAS test platform is given in the paper based on a 33,3% scale model of the e-Genius. It is developed as flying wind tunnel in order to better understand the effects of configuration changes on flight performance.