MAV TECHNOLOGY

MAV (Micro Air Vehicle) Ducted Fan

The term micro air vehicle (MAV) or micro aerial vehicle refers to a new type of remotely controlled aircraft (UAV) that is significantly smaller than similar craft  obtainable using state of the art technology. The target dimension for MAVs today is approximately 15 centimetres (six inches) and development of insect-sized aircrafts is reprtedly expected in the near future. Potential military use is one fo the driving factors, althought MAVs are also being used commercially and in scientific, police and mapping applications.

While AVID expertise spans all differing types of MAVs: fixed wing models, insect-like (flapping wing) models, and rotary wing models, AVID has particular design and deployment success in rotary (or ducted fan) models.

AVID, in subcontract with Honeywell, assisted in the design of the first-ever deployed VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) ducted-fan micro air vehicle (MAV) as part of an accelerated DARPA project. AVID provided unique design expertise as well as comprehensive design and analysis tools. The company supplied aerodynamic performance analysis for the vehicle and designed many of the aerodynamic components including the fan, stators, and control vanes.

In 2007, the MAV was deployed to Iraq where it assists US troops by identifying improvised explosive devices (IEDs) from the air. The program has been an overwhelming success, with the recent award of a contract for 90 additional units  (180 vehicles) from the US Navy. The MAV is in evaluation by the Miami-Dade police department for civilian applications.

LEARN MORE:  "AVID at Work" for Honeywell's T-HAWK MAV^TM (.pdf)