TRITON SYSTEMS, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: A20-006

Description

In response to the Army SBIR Topic A20-006 entitled Articulated Landing Gear for Class IV UAS, Triton Systems, Inc. proposes to develop actively controlled, robotic landing gear to improve landing capabilities of large UAS air vehicles. Current helicopters and vertically landing Class IV UAS typically use rigid landing skids or wheels. Skids and wheels are not suitable for easily landing on uneven or unknown terrain. UAS landing accidents have occurred due to challenging – and sometimes unknown - slope dynamics compounded by degraded visual environments (DVEs). Robotic landing gear can help mitigate the risks posed by these conditions by adjusting landing foot positions to find balance and absorb impact energy.As demonstrated by Kiefer, Ward, and Costello, robotic landing gear can reduce landing acceleration by 70-90%. Triton Systems will develop accurate, simulated models to evaluate articulated landing gear. Results from simulations will then be used to inform the mechanical design and prototyping process.  A fully functional prototype will be designed for fabrication and testing in Phase II. In its final form, Triton envisions an optimized robotic landing gear kit with standard interfaces that can be easily integrated with existing and future UAS systems. The system modeling and design will also serve as a basis for the development of landing gear for larger, heavier UAS.