UAV Has Dual Flight Modes

Technology concept uses both fixed and rotary wing flight. (BAE Systems)

Engineers have revealed a new technology concept –Adaptable UAVs – which can alternate between fixed and rotary wing flight modes in the same mission. When in rotary wing mode, the UAVs can be launched and recovered from battlefields and docked on a special pole.

They would use adaptive flight control and advanced navigation and guidance software that would allow the aircraft to benefit from the greater speed and range afforded to fixed-wing aircraft, before alternating to rotary-wing mode to hover and achieve vertical takeoff and landing.

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