Separation Flight Tests of a Small Unmanned Air Vehicle from a C-130 Transport Aircraft

David W. Roberts, Integrated Systems Evaluation, Experimentation, and Test Dept Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD, USA
Aaron D. Judy, Integrated Systems Evaluation, Experimentation, and Test Dept Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD, USA

Abstract

Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) are increasingly being considered for various roles in the civilian and military communities. Various launch methods have been explored and have been mostly ground based. The desire to investigate the feasibility of launching a UAV from a larger surrogate air platform existed, but had not been explored. As part of a concept demonstration program, NAVAIR’s Test and Evaluation Flight Test Department was requested to conduct flight tests to determine a flight envelope and launch system configuration for which a small (maximum gross weight of 80 lbs), unpowered UAV glider could be safely launched from the cargo ramp of a C-130 transport aircraft. A secondary goal was to demonstrate that the UAV would remain stable enough for the wings to deploy and be flyable via a pre-programmed profile or remotely located pilot. A roll-on/roll-off pneumatic launch system was devised to eject the UAV into the airstream in a controlled and consistent manner, and a test program was executed to incrementally expand the UAV safe launch envelope by building down to a minimum gross weight. Flight tests were conducted in September 2003. Safe separation from the C-130 aircraft was demonstrated, as well as UAV stability for successful wings deployment and fly-out. The success of these flight tests opens the door for development of similar air launched systems that could be used for a myriad of applications.