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As the design goal of current MAVs
is aimed at 10kg weight, the most critical aspect of the aerial
vehicle is weight. Therefore, lightweight materials are used
extensively to form large assemblies that are easily
interconnected to form the aerial vehicle. Future materials in
development today will integrate power sources into the structural
assemblies, providing "multifunction structures". In order to
reduce weight, various approaches are used, from prefabricated
shell, made of durable lightweight composites, to a podded
payload, carried by a hollow tube connected, to film laminated
wings and tail, as demonstrated by the Skylark miniature UAV
designed for Elbit Systems by AD&D. Other approaches are based on
inflatable aero dynamic structures, which enable deployment of
miniature UAVs from artillery projectiles and rockets. Vertical
takeoff and landing systems are also proposed for MAV, utilizing
miniature helicopters as well as various ducted fan tail sitters,
as demonstrated by Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Aero)
Fantail. Other systems utilize effective aerodynamics to perform a
"one way" glide mission, as they are deployed from UAVs, aircraft
or guns, over the target. Such expendable MAVs can also be used
for attack missions.
Other elements
discussed in this section:
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