China experimenting with drone that resembles the UFO observed in the 2015 US Navy's 'Gimbal' incident, according to recent reports.
China Developing Streamlined VTOL Drones for Naval Deployment
Chinese scientists are making strides in the development of more efficient Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) drones, with a particular focus on designs suitable for naval deployment. These drones are capable of launching from warships and could revolutionise various industries and military operations.
The innovative design aims to resolve a long-standing trade-off in aviation by combining the advantages of multirotor drones and fixed-wing aircraft. The team, led by engineer Zhang Wei at a Chinese university, has developed a VTOL drone with an elliptical, closed-loop wing that integrates a straight central section with vertical stabilizers, resulting in a flying spindle shape.
The unique shape of the ring wing causes extra aerodynamic drag, and the team is working to reduce this. They need to refine control algorithms to prevent inefficient flying that increases drag. However, post-flight data confirms significant gains in lift efficiency, enabling stable performance at low speeds and high angles of attack.
The new elliptical wing design is argued to bridge the gap, providing steady lift during vertical take-off and landing while offering greater efficiency in flight. This design could potentially overcome the limitations of traditional VTOL drones, which often sacrifice range and endurance compared to fixed-wing drones that need runways or catapult systems.
Missions for these drones could include water-quality sampling, rapid delivery of supplies to remote areas, and search-and-rescue operations in coastal environments where traditional drones may struggle. Additionally, potential civilian uses for the drone include battlefield surveillance, maritime reconnaissance, environmental monitoring, and emergency response.
The drone is equipped with four rotors, mounted at wing junctions, providing lift for vertical flight and stability during transition. In simulations and test flights, the drone's lift curve slope was more than double that of conventional straight wings. The prototype flew steadily during several test runs, with the wing effectively managing airflow and maintaining control even at steep angles of attack.
Moreover, the drone is designed for modular payloads, including sensors, supply pods, emergency equipment, and atmospheric samplers. This versatility could make these drones invaluable tools for various applications.
Researchers at Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics have also demonstrated a VTOL drone with a design reminiscent of the Gimbal, a UFO-like object reported by a US Navy pilot in 2015. This development demonstrates that unconventional forms can have practical aerodynamic advantages, as reported by Chinese researchers.
As the development of these drones continues, it is expected that they will play a significant role in various industries and military operations, providing efficient, versatile, and effective solutions for a wide range of tasks.
