Research Laboratory on Long Endurance Mini-UAV – MIDLELAB

In the field of UAVs, the keyword is endurance. Endurance is definitely the key parameter for the surveillance of large areas so as to avoid frequent rotations and to allow to permanently monitor a large zone of interest. So far, endurance has been achieved by the use of large and costly UAV systems which require a significant logistic footprint such as an airfield, a catapult, etc. The concept if Long Endurance Mini-Drone (MIDLE) represents a scientific and technological challenge since it opens the way to completing long endurance surveillance missions with a light, compact and low-cost aerial vehicle.

The associated lab MIDLELAB aims at addressing the scientific topic of the long-endurance flight of autonomous electrically powered mini-drones which are easy to handle by a single operator. They should also be applicable to many scenarios while complying with the air traffic regulations defined by DGAC for aerial vehicle under 25 kg.

The objective of the associated laboratory is to create a structured partnership between the Institut Supérieur de l'Aéronautique et de l'Espace (ISAE) and Delair-Tech company, a dynamic company of small size in the Midi-Pyrénées region. The goal is to contribute to increase the level of performance of its existing mini-drones to a point which will outperform competitors.

The research items as planned in MIDLELAB correspond to the innovation goals needed in the field of surveillance mini-drones. They include:
- Optimization studies of aerodynamic configurations
- Multi-point oprimization process for the propulsion set (battery, speed controller, motor, propeller)
- Energy harvesting from atmospheric environment (dynamic soaring, energy extraction from wind gusts)
- Solar power and advanced fuel cells as applied to mini-UAVs

During the first year, a MDO method will be developed based on the best practice and skills acquired by ISAE and Delair-Tech. As opposed to competitors, that design tool will include a multi-point optimization process so as to account for all flight enveloppe limits: take-off, landing, fast cruise, low-speed cruise. During the second yearalternative power sources will be studied and integrated (solar cells and fuel cells). The innovative topic of extracting energy out of the atmospheric environment will be started as soon as the first year, with a first flying prototype ready for 2016. FInally, all modes of endurance-augmentation will be combined during the third year and continued beyond 2017 to reach endurance close to 10 hours.

In parallel to the laboratory roadmap defined for the research strategy, high-audience aeronautical events will be conducted as milestones in order to make the research program a reality. Special events such as endurance records or journeys accross the Atlantic ocean will be prepared.