SBIR-STTR Award

Definitions are required of structural weight fractions for deltoid aerobody platforms in order to assess their potential. Prior data on conventional airplanes and zeppelins cannot be interpolated or extrapolated with confidence to provide the required definition. Therefore, structural design studies will be made especially for this shape, mass distribution and airload. Modern high-strength and stiffness composite materials will be used. Also effects of more favorable mass distributions will be considered. Structural weight fractions will be formulated for the so-defined concepts, including their size and speed dependency. Feasibility and effectiveness of these vehicles will be assessed preliminarily on this basis. Phase II plans and a final report will conclude this phase I, five month study.

Preliminary design of a WASP Dynairship will proceed from the baseline configuration defined in Phase I. Potential users will require a refined aerodynamic and composite structural design, a general arrangement, mission performance specifications and-flight simulations, and accurate economic analyses. Those tasks will be performed which will support the evolution of a documented, preliminary design for the advanced, aerobody-type platform. Experimental validation tasks then will be recommended to reduce risk and to fortify confidence for the Phase III development program. Three quarterly and a final report will inform, the AFSC/ESD of the preliminary design and its future potential.