SkyTote UAV - USAF now flying Model Planes for the Big Boyz

Scientists at the Air Vehicles Directorate have announced testing of yet another unmanned air vehicle, which "may" become an operational reality for the "warfighter". Basically another toy for the boys.

SkyTote is an unmanned aerial cargo delivery vehicle. The proprotor consists of two propeller blades that rotate in opposite directions and allow SkyTote to take off and land vertically, like a helicopter, and then shift to horizontal flight, like a fixed wing aircraft. This capability allows SkyTote to take off and land from confined areas while being able to fly faster than a helicopter could during flight. SkyTote will benefit the warfighter by delivering cargo to dangerous locations without jeopardizing a human pilot’s safety.

Researchers claim SkyTote will become a safe, inexpensive and reliable choice for assessing bomb damage and conducting resupply missions or emergency troop evacuations.

During the initial design phase, the vehicle was redesigned from the original 2-foot to an 8-foot wing span vehicle to make it more realistic and usable for customers.

The current test vehicle will carry a 50-pound payload within 150 nautical miles.

The power unit is a rotary Wankel engine (invented by German engineer Felix Wankel, which uses a rotor instead of reciprocating pistons patented 1929) made by UAV Engines Ltd in the UK which follows on from developments by Norton,famous for post war motor cycle racers. This results in a more compact engine, low weight,reduced mechanical friction and lower fuel consumption and greater operating range.