Potential Future Developments in Inflated Lifting Body Form LTA Vehicle Hulls

Abstract

This paper examines the potential future developments in inflated lifting body form LTA vehicle hulls, with specific consideration of the derivation of potential future vehicle requirements using simple spreadsheet calculation. Using input data so established, FE and CFD analysis using various tools including the Tensys inTENS code is considered. Possible future approaches to integrating hull design and patterning using advanced manufacturing techniques, are also considered. General conclusions are drawn concerning possible future design developments, software validation and certification. Nomenclature LTA= Lighter than air HAV = Hybrid Air Vehicle UAV = Unmanned Air Vehicle FE = Finite Element CAD = Computer Aided Design I IntroductionAs there have now been several inflated lifting body hulls built for Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAVs), at various sizes, and more are under development, this paper considers the potential for future developments, and the technical issues to be surmounted before the potential can be fulfilled.Considerable commercial and military interest exists in this type of vehicle, and the requirements of potential users are driving vehicle designers towards more capable vehicles, which requires larger sizes and greater performance. To date, a number of small un-manned demonstrator inflated lifting body HAV hulls have been built, and one full-size man-carrying hull, with a second hull now inflated; the author and Tensys have been involved in the majority of these projects, and have carried out a variety of design studies on other, future craft. Drawing on this experience, this paper considers the probable requirements for future HAVs, the likelihood that future craft will need to be of ever-increasing size and speed, and the technical challenges to be expected in designing and building such a craft.This paper considers the general requirements definition and concept design of these type of vehicles, and the vehicle sizes and speed that will potentially be required for differing applications and missions. A number of potential stages along the development path are considered, from the vehicles currently in concept or detail design, to a possible vehicle at the probable current limits of structural materials and manufacturing techniques. Possibilities for 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference, including the AIA