RETROFITTING A JET DRIVEN UAV TO FORM A MULTI-PURPOSE TEST PLATFORM

The testing and evaluation of a custom part or new software requires the use of an easily operable unmanned aerial vehicle. For this goal, the retrofitting process of a high-end, remotely controlled, jet-driven, scaledglider is presented. The purpose of the overall work is to utilize an off-the-shelf airframe to support multiple research projects. This paper lists the requirements for the retrofitted airframe, along with a possible selection of currently available system components such as autopilot or remote-control modules. The overall design of the system and the major subsystem designs are presented. Laboratory tests, a range test and flight tests are carried out to validate the results of the integrated system.