The military agency DAPRA and the company Northrop Grumman made a statement that the work on a new unmanned aerial vehicle, the functionality of which includes takeoff in an upright position, is almost complete. It is planned that this development will be presented during 2018. At the moment, the engineers are making the latest amendments, after which the model of this device will be presented. The next step will be field trials. The device was called Tern. It differs from the existing analogues by a unique opportunity to take off even from small ships without a runway.
A unique opportunity to take off and land
Tern rises vertically after installing its tail section on the surface of the runway. Two powerful propellers lift the device into the air, and only having gained the necessary height, it switches to a horizontal position, continuing the flight. Landing is carried out on a similar pattern with take-off, hanging on the spot and descend to the desired position. A drone can travel long distances in excess of 1,100 kilometers, and it can also carry cargo up to 454 kilograms.
Engineers at Northrop Grumman have repeatedly performed processing apparatus, the reason for the new requirements of the American military structures. The development and production of the engine involved the company General Electric. The engine itself has already passed the necessary tests. The aerodynamic scheme necessary for vertical take-off was tested. Much attention is paid to modern and reliable software that affects the maneuverability and is responsible for the quality of take-off and landing. In the near future it is planned to create two experimental samples with which the US military will be able to carry out the necessary tests.
"Tern - is a unique combination of high speed, great endurance, range and altitude of flight" - shared his opinion program manager Bob Ogest. Thus, the United States Marine Corps will have at its disposal a highly effective strike tool, the production of which will not require a large budget.
