Engineers from BAE Systems (www.baesystems.com), together with students from Cranfield University (www.cranfield.ac.uk), have revealed a new technology concept — named Adaptable UAVs that can alternate between two different flight modes in the same mission.

When in rotary-wing mode, they can be launched from (and later return to) a gyro-stabilised vertical pole, while fixed-wing mode gives them more speed and range.

The Adaptable UAVs are a hybrid between fixed and rotary-wing aircraft, and would use adaptive flight control and advanced navigation and guidance software, allowing the aircraft to benefit from the greater speed and range afforded to fixed-wing aircraft, before alternating to rotary-wing mode to hover and achieve vertical take-off and landing.

This novel technology could allow UAVs to better adapt to evolving future battlefield situations and through working together in a swarm, tackle sophisticated air defences, or operate in complex urban environments.

The pole mean that the Adaptable UAVs can be easily and safely launched and recovered in environments that may contain personnel, other aircraft or vehicles.

The pole constrains any sideways movement of the UAVs, so strong winds cannot dislodge them and damage to personnel nearby is prevented — particularly important when recovering a UAV to the aft of a ship or a land vehicle.

Professor Antonios Tsourdos, head of the Centre for Autonomous and Cyber-Physical Systems at Cranfield University, said: “Working with BAE Systems on the Cranfield University MSc in Autonomous Vehicle Dynamics & Control has provided a great opportunity for the students and research staff to explore a range of novel concepts and technologies.”