Design and Test of a Sonobuoy Precision Aerial Delivery (SPAD) UAV System

摘要

A Sonobuoy Precision Aerial Delivery (SPAD) UAV glider system that enables GPS-controlled placement of antisubmarine warfare acoustic sensors has been developed. Unlike the current placement method, which deploys the sonobuoy via uncontrolled parachute decent, the unpowered SPAD provides 27 mile stand-off range and precise GPS-guided sensor placement to enhance signal processing accuracy. SPAD is designed to conform to existing launch tube geometry which enables use of legacy sensors (sonobuoys) and infrastructure (launchers and launch aircraft). This constraint has significant influence on the air vehicle design. SPAD's flight path is programmed aboard the launch aircraft and SPAD is then tube-launched over a wide range of speeds and altitudes up to 30,000 feet. Wings and unique grid fin control surfaces deploy after launch and the vehicle flies a prescribed flight plan down to a low altitude, whereupon the sonobuoy payload ejects from the SPAD. The sonobuoy enters the water after a brief parachute decent to deploy hydrophones up to a 1000' depth. The launch tube form factor constraints, high payload mass, Cartridge Actuated Device (CAD) explosive launch from a high speed aircraft, deployable wings, and compact grid fins control surfaces were challenging design features. Significant wind tunnel testing was conducted and is described. Alternative payloads are also currently under development and are summarized.