Wed, Sep 07, 2005
Researchers at the Naval Research
Laboratory’s (NRL’s) Tactical Electronic Warfare
Division (TEWD) have developed an affordably expendable fully
autonomous compact electric helicopter system called SPIDER
(Scientific Payload Insertion Device Electric Rotor). The
helicopter can perform automatic takeoffs, fly up to 50 mph for 30
minutes, hover over a precise location and land autonomously while
carrying a 4 pound scientific or countermeasures payload.
According to Mr. Chris Bovais, the SPIDER program manager,
“The air vehicle and autopilot flight testing program began
at NRL in June 2004. The NRL team implemented autopilot algorithms
that were based on a neural adaptive flight controller system. This
developmental software was first tested extensively on a surrogate
electric model helicopter before being integrated into the new
Cloud Cap Technology Piccolo II autopilot for use in the SPIDER
system. The addition of an Aerosonde packaged Iridium data modem
provides the capability for performing operations beyond RF line of
sight communication, enhancing the overall mission capabilities of
the helicopter.”
The research team reports the SPIDER prototype has successfully
completed 97 flights during developmental testing achieving flight
speeds of 50 mph. “The wide-speed range and accurate hovering
performance that the NRL team has achieved from this small,
low-cost avionics package is a major technology advancement,”
Mr. Bovais said.
“SPIDER is a unique system because it is a small,
inexpensive, electric helicopter that fits into an easily
transportable case, can operate from unimproved terrain and
requires no special helicopter pilot training to operate,”
Mr. Bovais concluded.
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