Author Description

On the high speed, info-centric, dispersed battlefield of the future, information dominance will require increased small unit battlefield mobility. The trend of the future will be towards smaller units responsible for scouting, securing, and shaping the battlefield prior to a larger, heavier force being injected at the crucial time and place to decisively engage the enemy. This light scouting, shaping force has a need for some type of vehicle to provide battlefield mobility, insert, extract, escape and evasion, and re-supply. This thesis explores the possibility of using an electrically powered hang glider for small unit battlefield mobility. This platform is not envisioned to replace other means of insertion such as helicopter, rubber boat, etc. This platform is envisioned to provide mobility for these small units once they have been inserted, especially over terrain that is difficult for foot mobility. This thesis discusses the research concept used to conduct the vehicle design. A proposal for an optimal system design using commercially available components is given along with a description of the capabilities and limitations of the platform.