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Acta Aeronautica et Astronautica Sinica ›› 2025, Vol. 46 ›› Issue (22): 331034.doi: 10.7527/S1000-6893.2024.31034

• Electronics and Electrical Engineering and Control • Previous Articles    

UAV swarms and their takeoff method for high-end warfare

Anping ZHANG(), Hao DONG   

  1. College of Aerospace Engineering,Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,Nanjing 210016,China
  • Received:2024-08-02 Revised:2024-11-20 Accepted:2025-03-21 Online:2025-04-01 Published:2025-03-31
  • Contact: Anping ZHANG E-mail:zapnuaa@163.com

Abstract:

Based on high-end warfare, the type of low-cost Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) swarms and their takeoff method suitable for the current development of China are studied, providing insights to enhance the current UAV swarms combat capability. Firstly, this paper outlines the essential long-range operational capabilities required for UAV swarms and analyzed the cost situation of several low-cost UAVs in the US as well as the current technological status of UAV powerplants. Secondly, three takeoff methods that can be used for UAV swarms are compared, the gaps in key technologies of multi-UAVs container launching system at home and abroad are analyzed, drawing from foreign UAV examples. Finally, it is recommended to that China should adopt medium fixed-wing UAV with a takeoff mass exceeding 150 kg and foldable wings as the aircraft platform for domestic UAV swarm. Key technologies such as the clutching of propeller and piston engine outside the launching container, and the unfolding of folding wings driven by motors should be pursued to improve the launching efficiency of multi-UAVs container launching system for UAV swarms development.

Key words: high-end warfare, unmanned aerial vehicle swarms, low-cost, medium fixed-wing, container launching, piston engine

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