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Abstract

The University of Wisconsin – Madison Flying Badgers research team proposes a novel unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) development project called Project Merlin. The goal of the project is to design and construct a “wide envelope” UAV that can fly at relatively high and low speeds in the same mission. This goal will be achieved by implementing several technologies that are new to a UAV of its size and cost: automatic variable sweep wings, longitudinal thrust vectoring, and a miniature turbine engine. These technologies will be combined with light-weight fiberglass construction and an advanced avionics system to create a unique UAV design that is fast, versatile, and affordable.

Possible missions for Aesalon include police and Coast Guard pursuit assistance, real-time forest fire observation, chemical disaster management, and many military applications (i.e. reconnaissance, threat analysis, and laser target labeling). A modular payload section will allow Aesalon to carry observation equipment like visible light cameras, IR cameras, chemical and radiation detectors, and radar equipment.

Aircraft Design

The basic design of the Aesalon is shown below.

Unswept Configuration

 

Swept Configuration

 

Please note: All information contained herein is subject to change at any notice. This site will be updated on a frequent basis and information will reflect major changes and/or updates as they become available.

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Project Contact Info:
Jeffrey Dix
1500 Engineering Dr
608-265-0766
Room: B265 Engineering Hall

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Last Updated: 16 Feb 06
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