Further development is proposed for an expendable observation vehicle capable of launch from guns with calibers from 120 to 155mm, sustaining set-back loads of 15,000g. A 10 pound payload of sensors and guidance and communications gear is to be carried in a loiter pattern at 10,000 feet altitude for 3 hours. A preliminary design for the vehicle was generated in Phase I which meets the completing requirements for set-back load, launch weight and flight time provides sufficient air speed to sustain a prescribed search pattern through prevailing winds. The need for high L/D and highspan loading is met by a wing with inflated spars supporting a fabric skin. Propulsion is provided by a Wankel engine driving a pusher propeller, the rotary engine being well suited to gun hardening. The flight configuration has aspect ratio 8.4 60-inch wings and 28 pounds gross weight for a flight speed at maximum endurance of 76 knots. Subsystems presenting significant risk to development will be evaluated in the proposed program by launching a vehicle in a recoverable carrier projectile and testing the subsystems for function after recovery. Flight capability will be assessed by constructing a prototype flight vehicle which will be launched from an ultralight aircraft and flown using radio controls. Wing deployment in an air stream will be separately evaluated using ground tests. For the Phase II Option, wind tunnel and engine performance tests are planned the definition of flight capability. The vehicle will have direct application in targeting, identification and battle damage assessment for Naval Surface Fire Support, providing a much more responsive and flexible system than that afforded by satellite imaging or manned aircraft. Potential commercial applications ate as a rugged, low-cost aircraft for fighting forest fires.
Keywords: Observation Vehicle Gun Launch Fire Support
