Research Summaries

Back Shore Based Search and Rescue (SAR) Using Medium Range Unmanned Aircraft Systems (MR-UAS)

Fiscal Year 2021
Division Research & Sponsored Programs
Department NPS Naval Research Program
Investigator(s) Michael, Sherif N.
Sponsor Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (Navy)
Summary The main focus of this research project is to investigate the availability or development of an Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) that has the ability to operate Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) for conducting Search and Rescue (SAR) and counter narcotics missions for the Navy and the Coast Guard services. Prior research at NPS conducted by the PI to investigate a low-cost and effective technique to extend the endurance of one the most utilized UAV by Navy and Marine forces, namely the PUMA UAV was very successful. The research goal was to drastically extend these small unmanned air vehicle flight time for most mission operations. Currently the goal is to reach a full day operation with enhanced capability, without the need to send and replace another craft during the mission. This would allow for a long dwelling time that might be needed for undetected persistent surveillance missions. Enhancement of the performance and capability of the PUMA UAS by endurance extension was accomplished by using solar power concepts. Such design makes this platform more suitable for a wide range of Navy, Marines, and special Operation missions. The same approach can be utilized in this proposed research for extended Search and Rescue missions utilizing (MR-UAS) crafts. Where investigation of appropriate UAS will take into account the feasibility of incorporating light-weight, low-cost solar cells to cover most of the available surfaces to provide an extra power that can be key factor in extending the craft's endurance and range.
Keywords
Publications Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal
Data Publications, theses (not shown) and data repositories will be added to the portal record when information is available in FAIRS and brought back to the portal