TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER OPPORTUNITY: Small Compound-Wing VTOL UAS (LAR-TOPS-293)

NASA’s Technology Transfer Program solicits inquiries from companies interested in obtaining license rights to commercialize, manufacture and market the following technology. License rights may be issued on an exclusive or nonexclusive basis and may include specific fields of use. NASA provides no funding in conjunction with these potential licenses.

THE TECHNOLOGY: Typically small UAS, because of their light weight and small size, have difficulty flying in adverse environmental conditions, especially gusty winds. In some cases, small UAS such as multi-copters can handle somewhat higher gust conditions, but have limited endurance. Fixed-wing configurations have good endurance but need large open areas for launch and recovery and are typically not very wind-robust.

This vehicle combines VTOL convenience with fixed-wing endurance while enhancing operations in adverse environments. This UAS technology defines a part-time VTOL system that transitions to efficient fixed-wing operation to obtain desired endurance and range. A novel three-segment wing design includes:

a fixed Inner segment mounted to the fuselage, a controlled, articulating intermediate segment to which lift engines are attached, and a free-to-rotate outer segment to alleviate gust impacts on the airframe in both modes. The aft propulsor is articulated and configured such that the thrust being generated is always in a proverse direction. Also, the controlled-articulation wing segments are operated in both tandem and differential modes to allow for direct control while in the various modes of operation.

Also incorporated is a novel control architecture that encompasses both the different system operating modes as well as the considerable number of individual control options and combinations.

To express interest in this opportunity, please submit a license application through NASA’s Automated Technology Licensing Application System (ATLAS) by visiting https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/LAR-TOPS-293 If you have any questions, please e-mail NASA’s Technology Transfer Program at Agency-Patent-Licensing@mail.nasa.gov with the title of this Technology Transfer Opportunity as listed in this SAM.gov notice and your preferred contact information.

For more information about licensing other NASA-developed technologies, please visit the NASA Technology Transfer Portal at https://technology.nasa.gov/ These responses are provided to members of NASA’s Technology Transfer Program for the purpose of promoting public awareness of NASA-developed technology products, and conducting preliminary market research to determine public interest in and potential for future licensing opportunities. No follow-on procurement is expected to result from responses to this Notice.