MALE UAV design of an increased reliability level

Abstract

Purpose

This study seeks to present the initial requirements for medium altitude long endurance (MALE) UAV design of an increased reliability.

Design/methodology/approach

Shows and describes the successive design phases of PW‐103 MALE UAV.

Findings

The analysis of the performances of the PW‐103 UAV, powered by either a main or an auxiliary engine, demonstrated that auxiliary power unit improved flight safety significantly.

Originality/value

Successive MALE UAV configurations developed in the design process were aerodynamically more efficient than their predecessors.

Citation

Goetzendorf‐Grabowski, T., Frydrychewicz, A., Goraj, Z. and Suchodolski, S. (2006), "MALE UAV design of an increased reliability level", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 3, pp. 226-235. https://doi.org/10.1108/17488840610663693