Airborne Remote Operated Device

摘要

Sandia National Laboratories has recently delivered ten ducted fan airborne reconnaissance vehicles to the US Marine Corps for training and evaluation. This Airborne Remote Operated Device (AROD) concept centers on a ducted fan lifting technique that uses on-board attitude sensors and a stabilization computer to minimize the operator training requirements. These vehicles have been flown under a variety of conditions for over twelve hours. Video tapes of various flights and on-board camera views will be shown. This paper will cover the design, construction, testing, and operator training. Component reliability will be discussed as well as payload options., performance, and possible future program directors such as size, weight, communications, navigation, and operator aids. The paper will conclude that the concept of the AROD vehicle has been well demonstrated and is ready for use in solving problems of noise, communications, navigation, and integration into military tactical structures. (ERA citation 13:037298)