On December 9, SkyDefense LLC from Brighton, Colorado, first announced its new project called CobraJet. Using existing experience and new ideas, an autonomous medium-sized aircraft is being created that can carry various detection equipment and weapons. Independently or with the help of an operator, it will have to search for and intercept UAVs of different classes.
The CobraJet product is proposed to be built using the “tailless” scheme. The device receives an elongated fuselage of a streamlined shape with pronounced side edges. A delta wing smoothly mates with the fuselage. Engine nacelles protrude from the top and bottom of the wing. The tail assembly includes only a pair of fins installed with a collapse outward.
The airframe of the aircraft will be made in the form of a carbon fiber monocoque. Due to this, they want to achieve the optimal ratio of weight, strength, cost and labor intensity of production. Inside such a design, volumes are provided for the installation of engines and other elements of the power plant, control systems and weapons.
The interceptor will be quite compact. Its length is declared at 6 feet (1.8 m), the wingspan is 5 feet (1.5 m). The takeoff weight has not yet been specified. It can be assumed that it will be at the level of tens of kilograms.
The CobraJet will be equipped with three electric motors with impeller propellers. Two of them are located in the tail nacelles and perform the functions of the lift and cruise propulsion system. They will receive rotating nozzles used for vertical takeoff and horizontal flight. The third engine is placed vertically in the nose; it is used only for vertical takeoff and hovering.
It is claimed that the electric power plant will provide high flight characteristics. The maximum flight speed will exceed 200 miles per hour (more than 320 km / h). The range and duration of the flight are not yet known. The possibility of increasing maneuverability due to thrust vector control has been declared.
You must be logged in to post a comment.