Design and Development of a High-Altitude, In-Flight-Deployable Micro-UAV

Abstract

A micro-UAV system was developed to provide maximum endurance for a small atmospheric sensing payload. The system, composed of a micro-UAV and protective case, folds and fits into a MJU-10/B flare cartridge (7.1” x 2.4” x1.9”) and is designed to be ejected in-flight from altitudes up to 30,000 ft. at 300 G, to open and unfold in freefall, and to autonomously fly, sense, and transmit data for up to 45 minutes at maximum altitude. The µ UAV has a wingspan of 11.8”, a length of 6.6”, and a mass of 220grams...