![]() The roll-on/roll-off recovery system (which includes the physical structure, the docking structure, the towed, attitude-controlled “Bullet” and the in-flight stowage system) performed as designed. These results are encouraging and present higher confidence to achieve airborne recovery in our next flight.” We now have additional data, which will help us tune the system and further validate our models. “While we successfully tested both the GAV and recovery system, we decided during the mission to stop short of docking. “Our team was excited to fly the GAV for a second time following the delays caused by the global pandemic,” said Brandon Hiller, Dynetics X-61A chief engineer. At the end of the test, the GAV was recovered on the ground using the parachute system. It flew in formation with the C-130 from as close as 125 feet back and 125 feet below the C-130 position. The second X-61A flew for a total flight time of 2 hours and 12 minutes. The data collected from these tests will provide the necessary information to perform final tuning of GADS.” This demonstrated the ability of the recovery system to safely reel in and stow GAVs once they have docked. Multiple captive tests were also conducted for the first time, with actively-controlled GAVs attached to the stabilized towed docking device. And for the first time, we rendezvoused and flew in close formation with the recovery C-130 multiple times using the Gremlins Autonomous Docking System (GADS). ![]() “Our second GAV flown to date performed very well, which increases our confidence in the X-61A. “We have taken a major step forward towards accomplishing airborne recovery, and we are ever so close to achieving it,” said Tim Keeter, program manager for the Dynetics Gremlins team. The test flight was originally scheduled for earlier this spring, but was delayed due to the global pandemic caused by COVID-19. ![]() The test series involved all segments of the Gremlins Demonstration System, including GAVs, the launch and recovery system, the airborne operator control station and the Gremlins command, control and communications system. The overarching goal of the Gremlins Program, managed by DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, is to demonstrate aerial launch and recovery of multiple low-cost reusable unmanned aerial systems (UASs). The series of tests focused on risk reduction, as well as system and subsystem performance verification, in preparation for an airborne recovery test later this year. (HUNTSVILLE, Ala.) Aug– Dynetics, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Leidos, successfully tested a second X-61A Gremlins Air Vehicle (GAV), as well as the Gremlins airborne recovery system, last month at Dugway Proving Ground in Utah for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |