Airbus Defence and Space has successfully test flown a unmmaned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a flying wing design.
Airbus Defence and Space has successfully test flown a unmmaned aerial vehicle (UAV) with a flying wing design.
The project named SAGITTA is part of Airbus initiative to develop advanced unmanned aircraft technologies in collaboration with technical universities.
The jet powered demonstrator flew completely autonomously for around seven minutes over the test site in Overberg, South Africa, on a pre-programmed course.
The innovative flying-wing construction demonstrated excellent flight characteristics during the test. This flight marked the successful completion of the first test phase, which also comprised an extensive series of ground tests.
The research aircraft constructed to a scale of 1:4, measures 3 m x 3 m and is powered by two 300 N turbines. The airframe is produced completely from carbon fibre composite (CFC) and the UAV have a maximum take-off weight of 150 kg.
Due to its flying wing wing design, the aircraft have certain amount of inherent stealth characteristics. With the exception of the brakes, it is an ‘electronic flying device’ that is controlled by electro-mechanical actuators instead of hydraulic components.
