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Virtual Flight Demonstration of Stratospheric Dual-Aircraft Platform

PI William Engblom

The primary objective of the two-phase effort is to culminate with a proof-of-concept flight demonstration of a quarter-scale, low-altitude version of a Dual-Aircraft Platform (DAP).  The platform is to sail back-and-forth without propulsion above a restricted area using the persistent wind shear created by an onshore ocean breeze. 


The Dual-Aircraft Platform (DAP) is a recently patented concept for achieving a low-cost atmospheric satellite which utilizes wind shear as the primary energy source, and has the potential to operate without a substantial energy storage system. Successful demonstrations are likely to lead to strong interest in commercial development towards a larger-scale stratospheric prototype for surveillance and communications applications. 

Research Dates

06/15/2015 to 03/31/2016

Researchers

  • William Engblom

    William Engblom

    Department
    Aerospace Engineering Department
    Degrees
    Ph.D., M.S., The University of Texas at Austin
  • Hever Moncayo

    Hever Moncayo

    Department
    Aerospace Engineering Department
    Degrees
    Ph.D., West Virginia University

Categories: Faculty-Staff