The UAV platform is ideal for remote sensing. A powerful remote sensing tool is a laser based lidar system. Two significant constraints on this platform are the size and mass of payloads. An additional constraint is the opto-mechanical precision required for a diffraction limited lidar telescope. A solution to these challenges can be found using lightweight, stiff carbon fiber composite materials. The authors report on the requirements, design, analysis, and manufacturing of a carbon fiber composite telescope for a UAV platform. In addition to meeting the required precision assembly and tolerances under various load cases, the telescope features a moisture barrier. Typical carbon fiber composites absorb moisture from ambient humidity, causing minute expansion of the material. The moisture barrier prevents moisture from being absorbed by the material, eliminating distortions in the telescope due to moisture.
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