Application of MEMS devices to delta wing aircraft: From concept development to transonic flight test

About six years ago, we conceived the idea of using Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) based transducer for aircraft maneuvering. By using micro-actuators as effectors, micro-sensors to detect the optimal actuation location, and microelectronics to provide close loop feedback decisions, a low power control system has been developed for controlling a UAV-sized aircraft. This paper covers the evolution of developing a MEMS controlled delta wing UAV (christened Gryphon), from concept to application, and the transonic testing of the sensors and actuators. Furthermore, recent concepts have been developed to further simplify and add robustness to the control scheme (Please refer to AIAA 2001- 0121). © 2000 The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. All rights reserved.