Details & reference:
The Damselfly, developed by Selex Sensors & Airborne Systems
is a technology demonstrator of a vertical take off and landing
(VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicle (VTUAV) developed by the company
by internal funding. The unique propulsion system utilizes
high speed fan with thrust dispersal through four separate
nozzles. Each nozzle also have steerable vanes, which adds
control trim for stationkeeping and maneuverability. The independently
movable are controlled by the flight control system to achieve
controlled hovering and transit to forward flight. This propulsion
system offers more versatile and survivable operation at low
altitude and over cluttered terrain (forest, jungle, ship
deck). An electrically powered version has already been flight
tested and another version powered by gas turbine is epected
to commenc eflight testing in September 2007.
The Damselfly will carry a video camera datalink housed in
the wing-tip pods. As the design is resistant to wing gusting,
Damselfly will be suitable for maritime and shipborne operations.
This model was unveiled earlier in 2007 at the UAV demonstration
at ParcAberporth Parc Aberport and again, on the Finmeccanica/Selex
stand at DSEi 2007.
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