High-Altitude UAV Design for Long-Mission Surveillance
Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Tanner Stoess, Senior, stoesst@my.erau.edu Maximilian Kelderhouse, Senior, kelderhm@my.erau.edu Owen Read, Senior, reado@my.erau.edu Marcus Burns, Senior, burnsm11@my.erau.edu
Lead Presenter's Name
Donald Tuten
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Kimberly Heinzer
Abstract
The project pioneers an advanced aircraft design, focusing on a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for dual-use in Department of Defense (DOD) and commercial surveillance. This UAV is uniquely designed to offer persistent, stationary surveillance capabilities at stratospheric altitudes, crucial for comprehensive monitoring without frequent repositioning. The aircraft seamlessly transitions between Heavier-Than-Air (HTA) and Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) configurations, facilitated by an innovative hydrogen-oxygen fuel system that grants independence from traditional fuel sources. This design incorporates state-of-the-art radar systems and integrates Starlink technology for reliable data communication, even in remote operations. The design process utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and systems engineering to optimize the structural and operational efficiency of the UAV. The Sky Sentinel is expected to maintain a stationary position at high altitudes for extended periods, which is vital for missions requiring long-term, uninterrupted aerial surveillance. This capability is anticipated to enhance air traffic data collection, providing essential information for airspace management and safety, and offer a significant advantage in remote area deployments. This project sets a new benchmark in UAV design, combining enhanced operational flexibility, extended airborne endurance, and robust communication capabilities, thereby significantly advancing the capabilities of unmanned surveillance aircraft in both military and civilian contexts.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
High-Altitude UAV Design for Long-Mission Surveillance
The project pioneers an advanced aircraft design, focusing on a high-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) intended for dual-use in Department of Defense (DOD) and commercial surveillance. This UAV is uniquely designed to offer persistent, stationary surveillance capabilities at stratospheric altitudes, crucial for comprehensive monitoring without frequent repositioning. The aircraft seamlessly transitions between Heavier-Than-Air (HTA) and Lighter-Than-Air (LTA) configurations, facilitated by an innovative hydrogen-oxygen fuel system that grants independence from traditional fuel sources. This design incorporates state-of-the-art radar systems and integrates Starlink technology for reliable data communication, even in remote operations. The design process utilized computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and systems engineering to optimize the structural and operational efficiency of the UAV. The Sky Sentinel is expected to maintain a stationary position at high altitudes for extended periods, which is vital for missions requiring long-term, uninterrupted aerial surveillance. This capability is anticipated to enhance air traffic data collection, providing essential information for airspace management and safety, and offer a significant advantage in remote area deployments. This project sets a new benchmark in UAV design, combining enhanced operational flexibility, extended airborne endurance, and robust communication capabilities, thereby significantly advancing the capabilities of unmanned surveillance aircraft in both military and civilian contexts.