Theoretical and Practical Aspects of the Design Phase for a Single Skin Textile Wing

This paper depicts the early phase in the research development for an integrated support system tailored for emergency response actions and remote sensing. The support system is envisioned as an integrated Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) system that consists of one or more ultralight multifunctional aerial units with a configuration that can be adapted to the nature of the intervention: monitoring, mapping, observation and logistics etc. These aerial units comprise of para-motor type UAVs that use textile paraglider wings of a special design. The paper summarizes the basic materials used in the construction of parachutes, as well as it depicts the design phase for the main material used on the wing construction. Starting from wing airfoil and materials selection, a design phase is ongoing for a single sail paraglider wing that can meet the operational demands for emergency response situations. The wing is designed mainly to have an easy handling and to have a predictable deployment at all times. The entire system and the aerial units are designed with increased modularity in order to be tailored for specific operational requirements of the intervention. A numerical model is under development and rigorous testing to validate the theoretical aspects and the design choices.