This paper presents results of in-flight deployment of inflatable wings from a rocket launched UAV. The incorporation of deployable wing technology into a full UAV system results in many design constraints. In this particular design, inflatable wings are used to generate lift during fixed wing flight mode, and the stabilizing fins for the main wing also act as the fins for the vehicle during its rocket boost phase. This requires the balancing of the two different vehicle configurations to ensure that the aircraft would be able to fly stably in both modes, and transition between them without catastrophic failure. Development of the subcomponents and how they are integrated in the aircraft is discussed. A high reliability and lightweight inflation system was also developed. This paper discusses the design and key characteristics of these subcomponents and how they are integrated into the overall aircraft. In addition, deployment tests of the inflatable wing through the use of a custom inflation test, and flight tests of the overall aircraft are discussed. Data is collected from each flight, analyzed and compared with the ground and on-board footage of the aircraft.
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