An Evaluation of the Operational Capabilities and Fuel Conservation Implications of Using Remotely Piloted Vehicles,Advanced Aircraft Flight Simulators,and Lighter-Than-Air Aircraft.

摘要

As early as 1950, the current world fuel energy crisis was predicted to occur. However, the warnings went unheeded until the oil embargo was initiated in 1973. Due to the resulting high cost and limited availability, the petroleum users of the world have attempted measures to conserve the use of fuel. In the United States, the Federal Government, specifically the Department of Defense, has implemented various measures and studies to reduce fuel consumption. This thesis researched literature in three areas--remotely piloted vehicles, advanced aircraft simulators, and lighter-than-air aircraft--to explore their operational capabilities and to evaluate any fuel energy benefits that may be derived from their use. The thesis concludes that remotely piloted vehicles and advanced aircraft flight simulators can be utilized to meet various operational requirements while reducing fuel consumption. However, lighter-than-air aircraft designs do not currently possess the technology needed to accomplish operational requirements while reducing fuel consumption.