Unmanned Aircraft System - Why not Helicopters?

  • Thread starter Thread starter abhi88
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Aircraft System
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion explores the reasons for the preference of fixed-wing aircraft over helicopters in unmanned reconnaissance systems. It examines various factors influencing this choice, including operational capabilities and design complexities.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions the preference for fixed-wing aircraft, seeking to understand the reasons beyond speed.
  • Another participant notes that unmanned helicopters do exist but are less common due to their complexity, cost, and operational challenges.
  • It is mentioned that unmanned helicopters typically have less range and loiter time compared to fixed-wing counterparts.
  • A participant argues that the optimal operating altitude for UAVs is high, where helicopters may struggle, particularly at 40,000 feet.
  • A reference is provided to an unmanned helicopter being tested by the Turkish Armed Forces, indicating ongoing developments in the field.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the use of unmanned helicopters, with some acknowledging their existence but highlighting limitations compared to fixed-wing aircraft. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the overall preference for one type over the other.

Contextual Notes

Participants do not fully explore the technical specifications or operational contexts that might influence the choice between fixed-wing and helicopter UAVs, leaving some assumptions unaddressed.

abhi88
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
Unmanned Aircraft System - Why not Helicopters??

Hello everyone!
i was a little curious to know the reason behind choosing a fixed wing Aircraft over a helicopter for a typical unmanned reconnaissance Aircraft system. The ones in service with air forces worldwide rarely use helis. Apart from the obvious reason of fixed wings' fast speed, what other reasons influence the choice?
 
Physics news on Phys.org


The best place to operate a UAV is high, where people can't see it, hear it, or shoot AK47s at it. Helicopters don't fly very well at 40,000 ft.
 


Turkish Armed Forces getting ready to test a UAS helicopter: http://www.trdefence.com/2011/01/16/tai-unveils-new-unmanned-helicopter/
 
Last edited by a moderator:

Similar threads

The Principle of the Helicopter
  • · Replies 32 ·
2
Replies
32
Views
13K
Rapid Aid Delivery and Distribution System
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Can Electric Motors Revolutionize Aircraft Propulsion?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Fuel tank explosions in aircrafts
  • · Replies 10 ·
Replies
10
Views
37K
Writing: Input Wanted Different Cosmic Disasters for Different Plot Points
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
3K
Why is the U-2 nicknamed the Dragon Lady?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
9K
Graduate Is Mathematics a Belief System?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
5K
Graduate Integration help for helicopter rotor
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
5K
Shuttle Thermal Tiles: Description and Suggestions
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
7K
Considering a career in Engineering
  • · Replies 7 ·
Replies
7
Views
5K