group
What campus are you from?
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Aden Parsons, Senior Ethan Ford, Senior Meagan Hosker, Senior Troy Whitney, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Aden Parsons
Faculty Mentor Name
Alberto Mello
Abstract
The Paladin Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) is a next-generation escort and protection platform developed by Team Charlie to enhance the survivability of high-value airborne assets such as tankers and transport aircraft. The project’s objective is to design an autonomous, multirole UAV capable of offensive and defensive operations in high-threat environments, providing persistent support to manned aircraft while reducing pilot risk and overall operational cost. Paladin represents a key evolution in the Air Force’s transition toward collaborative and networked airpower, aligning with emerging doctrines of manned–unmanned teaming. The aircraft features a single-engine, high-aspect-ratio delta wing configuration optimized for range, agility, and internal payload volume. With an estimated maximum takeoff weight of 30,000 lb, Paladin can carry up to eight air-to-air missiles or a combination of precision-guided munitions for multirole missions. Modular internal bays allow reconfiguration for fuel, sensors, or payloads, supporting both escort and reconnaissance roles. A thrust-vectoring exhaust system and responsive control surfaces provide enhanced maneuverability, while a blended fuselage-wing design minimizes radar cross-section and improves aerodynamic efficiency. Structurally, Paladin employs a two-spar semi-monocoque wing constructed primarily from AA 7075-T6 and AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloys, chosen for their high specific strength, fatigue resistance, and manufacturability. The front and rear spars form the primary load path, joined by ribs, stringers, and stiffened skins. Finite Element Method (FEMAP/Nastran) analysis validates the design under limit and ultimate load conditions of 10g and 15g, with bending moments exceeding 4.6×10⁶ in-lb and shear loads above 46,000 lbf. Localized fittings incorporate AISI 4340 steel for high-stress connections. Paladin demonstrates a balance of innovation, modularity, and practicality for next-generation unmanned escort and strike operations.
Did this research project receive funding support from the Office of Undergraduate Research.
No
Aircraft Detail Design
The Paladin Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle (UCAV) is a next-generation escort and protection platform developed by Team Charlie to enhance the survivability of high-value airborne assets such as tankers and transport aircraft. The project’s objective is to design an autonomous, multirole UAV capable of offensive and defensive operations in high-threat environments, providing persistent support to manned aircraft while reducing pilot risk and overall operational cost. Paladin represents a key evolution in the Air Force’s transition toward collaborative and networked airpower, aligning with emerging doctrines of manned–unmanned teaming. The aircraft features a single-engine, high-aspect-ratio delta wing configuration optimized for range, agility, and internal payload volume. With an estimated maximum takeoff weight of 30,000 lb, Paladin can carry up to eight air-to-air missiles or a combination of precision-guided munitions for multirole missions. Modular internal bays allow reconfiguration for fuel, sensors, or payloads, supporting both escort and reconnaissance roles. A thrust-vectoring exhaust system and responsive control surfaces provide enhanced maneuverability, while a blended fuselage-wing design minimizes radar cross-section and improves aerodynamic efficiency. Structurally, Paladin employs a two-spar semi-monocoque wing constructed primarily from AA 7075-T6 and AA 2024-T3 aluminum alloys, chosen for their high specific strength, fatigue resistance, and manufacturability. The front and rear spars form the primary load path, joined by ribs, stringers, and stiffened skins. Finite Element Method (FEMAP/Nastran) analysis validates the design under limit and ultimate load conditions of 10g and 15g, with bending moments exceeding 4.6×10⁶ in-lb and shear loads above 46,000 lbf. Localized fittings incorporate AISI 4340 steel for high-stress connections. Paladin demonstrates a balance of innovation, modularity, and practicality for next-generation unmanned escort and strike operations.