Investigation of the features of near-terrain flight
Abstract
We will study the features of near-terrain flight in close proximity of sub-vertical topography, using numerical techniques as well as by performing experiments with unmanned aerial systems in the high altitude mountainous region of Nepal. To fundamentally investigate the flight characteristics, we will develop experimental aerial platforms to collect flight dynamic, aeroelastic, and performance data during the near-terrain flights. The experimental data will also support the development and validation of inhouse solvers for aeroelasticity and flight dynamics simulations.A medium altitude near terrain long endurance (MANTLE) aircraft will serve as a low-cost experimental platform for studying the features of near-terrain flight. The MANTLE experimental aircraft, unlike the medium or high attitude counterparts (MALE and HALE, respectively), will be flown at altitudes of up to 6000 m above sea level and in close proximity of the terrain, within 100 m. The natural topography of Nepal offers a unique advantage for the test of such flight conditions since take-off is directly possible from a relatively high altitude above sea level and the aircraft can rapidly enter near-terrain flights to perform aerial experiments.The motivation of this study is to support the enhancement of safety and effectiveness of near-terrain operation of aircraft. Near-terrain flights are often unavoidable in routes along the vertical or subvertical mountainous topography. Such flights are also required for scientific experiments or surveillance in complex topographical environments where existing methods are limited in resolution. To support such applications, a key outcome of this study will be the fundamental knowledge of the features and requirements for performing near-terrain flights in complex high altitude topographies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 16, 2024
- Source ID
- FA23862314007
Entities
People
- Sudip Bhattarai
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Tribhuvan University
- United States Air Force