2A Vigia, the new UAV of the Argentina Air Force
Originally as PAE-22365 Project, the Vigia 2A, was devised by the Center for Applied Research (CIA) under the Aeronautical University Institute (IUA) under funding from the Ministry of Science and Technology. This military development is the demonstration of the intent of the FAA to develop a means tactico apparatus national design, unlike the SARA Project, undertaken by the INVAP and the Ministry of Security, which dual and not specifically military applications emerge. Then he addressed by the FAA, as FAS-0091 project.
El Vigia apparatus 2A is a MALE (Medium Altitude, Long Endurance / medium altitude, long range) Class II, capable of autonomous navigation and via satellite link. Framed under the USAR (STANAG 4671 Annex IX) standard development has evolved from a scale model 1: 2 (Class I) which has proven the concept of flight, command and control. Its navigation is controlled from an autopilot Cloud Cap Technology Piccolo II + GPS / INS with capacity for take-off and automatic landing, the same has capacity radio and satellite link before discontinuation conventionally so we can return safely to their base. You can enter and process a maximum of 1000 waypoints, check your onboard computer airworthy and operation of each of their systems, with the ability to define anomalies detector and emergency situations. This equipment is regulated by export controls of the United States.
For emergency situations, the Vigia 2A has a ballistic parachute as standard equipment.
As payload, it has a usable space of 400x400x800 and up to 50kg. In the prototype, it is ballasted to maintain the center of gravity of the apparatus.
Its powerplant is a Japanese HK 700E engine two-cylinder, four-stroke 60hp maximum power. It installed in the same configuration with a cuatripala pusher propeller ground adjustable fixed pitch.
In short, its technical features are:
Dimensions:
Wing Area: 8 m2
Wingspan: 2 m
Overall Length: 1 m
Total height: 92 m
Fuselage width: 45 cm
Maximum takeoff weight: 330 kg
Plant Propulsora:
HKS 700E engine, four-stroke two-cylinder, electronic ignition.
Maximum power: 60 HP @ 6200 rpm
Reducer: 2.58: 1
Powerfin propeller blades shovel type 4 BT
TBO: 1000 hours
Navigation:
GPS / INS (Autopilot Píccolo 2+) capable of takeoff and landing and automatic link SAT
Emergency: Ballistic Recovery parachutes BRS 600 (optional)
performances
Battery life: 11 hours (4 hours in the 1st prototype.)
Maximum speed: 115 KCAS
Maximum altitude mission: 15000 ft
Time 20 min climb to 15000ft
Payload: 60 kg
Maximum takeoff weight 330 kg
Available power: 1500 W (optional)
The Vigia 2A is a pusher configuration high wing and V-tail, with the purpose to maximize forward visibility without interference and under its propeller. It is equipped with a split flap and aileron, which occupy 20% of the rope.
The flaps are linked by kinematic control with command bar which is actuated by a single actuator. It can be fixed in two positions 30 and 60 degrees.
The ailerons instead are individually controlled by a servo electrically directed by the central command.
The group has tail empennage of 9% relative thickness profile NACA 0009 arranged in V with a dihedral of 47 °. The lift occupies 20% of the rope and allows a movement of + 25 / -25. They are led by an electromechanical servo as ailerons and has two operating modes: for direction, and pitching movements antimétricos with symmetrical movements.
The landing gear is tricycle type retractable nose wheel, fixed on the first prototype. The main gear is the type Flexible crossbow and front. fixed with spring and shock absorber, with steerable wheel from the command post.
The arrangement of the fuselage tail wing joint group has been made in order to optimize the aerodynamic and mass balance with a static similar to general aviation in order to facilitate its driving dynamics and stability.
Given the nature of the project and the necessary flexibility for the development of systems and components thought to the fuselage like a box that must allow access and changes shape according to the progress and development of the prototype status. What they did tilt the balance sheet on conventional technology and riveting, over new technologies in composites.