A cutting-edge jet drone, known for its exceptional agility, has been patented by the Scientific and Production Union of Mechanical Engineering, part of the Russian Military-Industrial Corporation. This was reported by TASS agency on April 28, 2024, referencing the corporation's latest patent.
This invention focuses on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) of fixed-wing design, specifically those utilizing the canard configuration for enhanced stability. These UAVs boast superior speed and agility, setting them apart from existing models. As highlighted in the patent summary, the primary goal is to improve flight performance compared to current UAV technology.
According to BIS Research, the industry analysis for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) conducted by BIS Research forecasts a notable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.27% in market value from 2020 to 2025.
North America held the largest share of the global UAV market, accounting for 51% of its value in 2019. The market size in this region was valued at $11.66 billion in 2019 and is expected to grow to $21.91 billion by 2025, achieving the highest CAGR during the forecast period from 2020 to 2025.
The UAV features a central fuselage with a dedicated cargo compartment. Key design elements include a unique wing configuration, a fully movable intake with an integrated mounting bracket, and a V-shaped vertical tail complemented by trapezoidal fins.
Because of its distinctive wing form, this drone exhibits superior aerodynamic properties during flight, especially at steep angles of attack, and it can effectively mitigate wave drag. To further enhance its aerodynamic performance and improve takeoff and landing capabilities, the wing is equipped with advanced mechanisms at both its leading and trailing edges.
The turbojet engine, the power source, is strategically positioned with its air intake beneath the fuselage. The drone features a cohesive design that incorporates a canard rudder configuration, which boosts speed and maneuverability. This design also enhances the drone's lift-to-drag ratio and its maximum lift coefficient.
Experts believe that, when equipped with appropriate technology in its cargo bay, this cutting-edge drone could be deployed for both reconnaissance and combat missions.
The L-shaped wings, also known as L-wings, significantly enhance the aerodynamic performance of the drone, particularly during flights at high angles of attack. The L-wing configuration features a primary wing surface that extends outward from the fuselage before bending or 'sweeping' backward into an L shape. This unique design is highly effective in promoting high-speed flight and maneuverability.
The L-wing design enhances aerodynamic efficiency by delaying the onset of flow separation. Flow separation occurs when the airflow over the wing surface begins to detach, resulting in a loss of lift and an increase in drag. At high angles of attack, the risk of flow separation is elevated. However, the swept-back portion of the L-wing helps to postpone this separation, enabling the drone to maintain lift and control even at steep angles of attack.
Another advantage of the L-wing design is its ability to minimize wave drag. Wave drag occurs at high speeds, particularly near or beyond the speed of sound, and results from shock waves forming around the aircraft. The L-wing design helps alleviate this by spreading the shock waves along the wing’s length, lessening their overall impact.
Furthermore, the L-wing design assists in managing the center of pressure. The center of pressure is the point where the total sum of a pressure field acts on a body, exerting a force through that point. With an L-wing, the center of pressure shifts less as the angle of attack changes, resulting in more stable and predictable handling.
Overall, the L-wing design on a drone provides substantial aerodynamic benefits, especially at high angles of attack. It aids in delaying flow separation, reducing wave drag, and stabilizing the center of pressure, all contributing to enhanced flight performance and control.
The global UAV market has become increasingly significant due to the expanding use of drones in various sectors such as inspection, surveying, transport and logistics, and agricultural spraying, among others. Additionally, certain drones offer surveillance and monitoring capabilities for military, homeland security, and law enforcement purposes, which are driving market growth.
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