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Establishing a Disruptive New Capability for NASA to Fly UAV's into Hazardous ConditionsA 2015 NASA Aeronautics Mission "Seedling" Proposal is described for a Severe-Environment UAV (SE-UAV) that can perform in-situ measurements in hazardous atmospheric conditions like lightning, volcanic ash and radiation. Specifically, this paper describes the design of a proof-of-concept vehicle and measurement system that can survive lightning attachment during flight operations into thunderstorms. Elements from three NASA centers draw together for the SE-UAV concept. 1) The NASA KSC Genesis UAV was developed in collaboration with the DARPA Nimbus program to measure electric field and X-rays present within thunderstorms. 2) A novel NASA LaRC fiber-optic sensor uses Faraday-effect polarization rotation to measure total lightning electric current on an air vehicle fuselage. 3) NASA AFRC's state-of-the-art Fiber Optics and Systems Integration Laboratory is envisioned to transition the Faraday system to a compact, light-weight, all-fiber design. The SE-UAV will provide in-flight lightning electric-current return stroke and recoil leader data, and serve as a platform for development of emerging sensors and new missions into hazardous environments. NASA's Aeronautics and Science Missions are interested in a capability to perform in-situ volcanic plume measurements and long-endurance UAV operations in various weather conditions. (Figure 1 shows an artist concept of a SE-UAV flying near a volcano.) This paper concludes with an overview of the NASA Aeronautics Strategic Vision, Programs, and how a SE-UAV is envisioned to impact them. The SE-UAV concept leverages high-value legacy research products into a new capability for NASA to fly a pathfinder UAV into hazardous conditions, and is presented in the SPIE DSS venue to explore teaming, collaboration and advocacy opportunities outside NASA.
Document ID
20150013993
Acquisition Source
Langley Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ely, Jay (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Nguyen, Truong (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Wilson, Jennifer (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Brown, Robert (NASA Kennedy Space Center Cocoa Beach, FL, United States)
Laughter, Sean (NASA Langley Research Center Hampton, VA, United States)
Teets, Ed (NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Parker, Allen (NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Chan, Patrick Hon Man (NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Richards, Lance (NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center Edwards, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
July 23, 2015
Publication Date
April 20, 2015
Subject Category
Aircraft Stability And Control
Report/Patent Number
NF1676L-21134
SPIE Paper 9468-28
Meeting Information
Meeting: SPIE DSS 2015 - Defense and Security Meeting
Location: Baltimore, MD
Country: United States
Start Date: April 20, 2015
End Date: April 24, 2015
Sponsors: International Society for Optical Engineering
Funding Number(s)
WBS: WBS 284848.02.01.07.77.77
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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