Technologies for Enhancing the Flight Safety and Expanding the Mission Capabilities of Small UAS

Technologies for enhancing flight safety

JAXA is working on research and development of technologies for enhancing the flight and operational safety of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for flight beyond visual line of sight. Specifically, JAXA is focusing on the design and development of (1) flight environment monitoring (wind disturbance estimation), (2) flight control augmentation for takeoff and landing maneuver and improved emergency recovery auto-flight mode, and (3) flight data monitoring technologies using daily operation data. These technologies are designed to be added to the functions that current small UAS are typically equipped with. JAXA has been evaluating and demonstrating these technologies through flight tests using small fixed-wing UAS.

Technologies for expanding mission capabilities

JAXA has been conducting research and development of the Quad Tilt Wing (QTW) VTOL aircraft which enhances operational capabilities of sUAVs.