Well, Here is an Interesting Local Startup

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Basic VTOL Configuration


Wind Tunnel Testing


Control Surface Tests

Mission scenario video

Images and video, American Dynamics Flight Systems^*

Aviation Week has noted that a startup company with a interesting take on a VTOL UAV has received funding from the Maryland Industrial Partnerships (MIPS) program for wind tunnel tests on their AD-150 UAS.

The company, American Dynamics Flight Systems, has an interesting take on the tilt rotor system, and I don't mean just their use of shrouded propulsors, but the fact that they can operate the propulsors asymmetrically in order to provide control inputs.

The final product is looking to be a 14½ foot long vehicle that can carry a roughly 500 pound payload at 300 kts, which places it within the requirements for the US Marine Corps "Group 4" drone requirement.

Given the specifications, it certainly will be able to keep up with the Osprey, though I have not seen any range data.

The company's other products are the High Torque Aerial Lift (HTAL) propulsor, which is used on the AD-150, and an improved launcher for the 2.75" FFAR called the, "LH Series Launcher," which is lighter and more streamlined than the existing launchers, and so more suited to UAVs.

There seems to be a fair amount of "neat" tech there, the AD-150 appears to be leveraging on their HTAL propulsor, and their LH launcher appears to fill a real need.

Basically, with the advent of guidance heads for the 2.75" rocket, APKWS and DAGRS, it is rather likely that this will become the weapon of choice for UAVS,

The rocket, which is smaller, lighter, and has a smaller warhead than the AGM-114 Hellfire, which means that more can be carried with less collateral damage.

Using the hellfire to take out a guy on a motorbike, or a bunch of guys in an SUV, is kind of like using an elephant gun as a fly-swatter.

In any case, I emailed them about getting a tour of their Jessup, Maryland facility, and will be having a tour on Wednesday, assuming that their schedule or the vicissitudes of mother nature (more snow predicted next week) don't intrude.

I will be posting a request for any ideas for questions on a shorter post, which will remain at the top of the list until late Tuesday evening, so I've closed comments on this post, if there is anything you want to know, post it there. (Link to request for questions)

I recommend checking out the web site. It's chock full of neat stuff.<sup>™

*</sup>Their use statement on their website says, "Unless otherwise noted, the content in this collection is provided for non-commercial use and may be used for educational and editorial purposes only. All other uses require the explicit written consent of American Dynamics Flight Systems. For more information please contact media@adflightsystems.com." My writing about them should qualify as an "editorial" purpose.