STARS Shielded Twin Aircraft Rotor System (STARS).
SUMMARY:
This Phase I project relates to a dual-mode aircraft being capable of operating in both a helicopter and fixed wing mode of flight. The purpose will be to determine the feasibility of a new advanced reaction drive stopped rotor system for a dual-mode aircraft. The use of advanced tip jets for the rotor will be investigated in order to improve safety, noise levels, pollution levels, propulsive efficiency, and control of the rotor while reducing the overall complexity of the rotor system.
The anticipated outcome of this research will be an advanced rotor system that has extremely high factors of safety when compared to existing designs for use in future revolutionary vehicles to operate in a clean noise free environment.
The Army, Navy, and Marine Corps have a need for affordable, survivable, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) air vehicles to support dispersed units in littoral and urban areas. The STARS explores innovative VTOL technologies and concepts with the potential for significant performance improvements that would satisfy stressing mission needs. One such concept is the advanced STARS aircraft, which offers the potential for a high-speed rapid response capability from a VTOL unmanned air vehicle with significant range and stealth improvements as compared to other VTOL concepts. Design and fabrication of this scaled vehicle concept will validate the command and control, stability and control system and aerodynamic performance required for vertical take-off, landing and hover via Shielded rotors that stops and locks in place for efficient high speed cruise.
An operational STARS UAV would be able to take off and land in confined areas without a launch or recovery system, rapidly transition to and from a fixed wing mode and fly at speeds in access of 375 knots. The flexibility achieved through these various flight modes, combined with the high-speed performance and survivability of this revolutionary new concept makes the STAR an exciting option for manned and unmanned applications.
It has application for all missions requiring vertical takeoff and hover capability. It is also suitable for military transport, attack, scout, and liaison missions. It could be used as a Navy aircraft operating from smaller ships other than aircraft carriers. Additionally, this aircraft could easily be adapted as a Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) with various military and commercial applications. Commercially, it would be a useful transport aircraft, particularly as a commuter or general aviation/business aircraft. The concept of low disk loading and high-speed capability make this aircraft more attractive than previous high-speed rotorcraft concepts.