MONROVIA, Calif., Aug. 12 (UPI) -- AeroVironment Inc. reports a full-size wing developed as part of the Global Observer Joint Capability Technology Demonstration program has tested successfully.
The series of wing load tests were conducted on the drone's wing by the joint U.S. Department of Defense, National Aeronautics and Space Administration and AV team at the Flight Loads Laboratory at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center at Edwards Air Force Base, Calif.
AeroVironment said the team designed and built a specialized test fixture to apply loads to the modular, all-composite 175-foot Global Observer wing and the test validated the quality of AV's design, its analysis of flexible and lightweight structures and the resulting design trade-offs made to maximize wing strength while minimizing weight.
"These successful tests confirm that the Global Observer wing, one of the most critical elements of the system, is prepared to handle the stress of high-altitude, long-endurance flight," said Tim Conver, AV's chairman and chief executive officer. "With ground and wing load testing behind us we look forward to demonstrating Global Observer's unique ability to fly longer and higher over any location than any other aircraft."
Global Observer is designed to be the first unmanned aircraft system to give cost-effective and persistent communications and surveillance over any location, without latitude restrictions.
The Global Observer JCTD program is sponsored by six U.S. government agencies that have provided more than $120 million in funding.
