Date of Award
May 2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Aviation
First Advisor
Gary Ullrich
Second Advisor
Marcos Fernandez-Tous
Abstract
One limitation of uncrewed aircraft is being unable to fly as long as needed for some operations, such as linear inspection. This research explores the flight endurance of an uncrewed aircraft using airship design. It investigates the benefits of using an airship design to increase the efficiency and extension of the flight of a small, uncrewed aerial system (sUAS). Thus, it is crucial to find ways to augment flight endurance. Two different airframes were built, and flight tested using a lifting gas to provide the lifting force and vectored thrust needed to move. Flight testing captured time in the air and battery level throughout the flight day. The flights and data correlated in that using a lifting gas increased the flight endurance of sUAS; however, a large volume of lifting gas must be used, and the sUAS was large despite being low weight. More research is necessary in this area to develop a better airframe and an efficient aircraft.
Recommended Citation
Reilly, Joseph, "Using An Airship Design To Extend A Small Uncrewed Aircraft Flight Endurance" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 6388.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/6388