By Javier Chagoya

NPS mechanical engineering student Lt. Eric Smitley flies the Cross-Flow Fan (CFF) propelled quadrotor aircraft he built for his thesis in the Center for Autonomous Vehicle Research (CAVR) lab, June 2. The flight marks a number of improvements for the unique UAV platform discovered during Smitley's research, which focused on the design of a stable and strong frame for the aircraft.

"The platform design is innovative in that it's lightweight; compact, spanning only three feet; durable in hard landings; and it only takes two days to construct with a minimum of tools required," said Smitley, who added that nearly all of the components are off-the-shelf.

NPS Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Professor and Chair Dr. Garth Hobson has guided student research on CFF propelled systems for some time, and notes he is impressed with Smitley's progress.

"Unlike propeller-driven aircraft drones, the CFF propulsion concept uses a series of length-wise fan blades housed in a cowling where the fans use a rear wall and a vortex wall to gain lift," explained Hobson. "Eric has integrated a lightweight fuselage, including some very inventive construction techniques that allow for quick assembly and low-cost fabrication. The total package only costs about $2,000."