The Autonomous Rotary Relief Aircraft (AURORA) is a Humanitarian Response Unmanned Aircraft System (HR-UAS) designed to deliver cargo in order to assist areas recovering from disasters in both developed and undeveloped nations. During times of crisis supplies are critical for recovery efforts, but delivery is often restricted due to aircraft accessibility. The AURORA solves this issue by providing a vehicle capable of vertical takeoff and landing on improvised or conventional landing areas while fully loaded. Because the AURORA is capable of traditional flight after take-off, it has the advantage of shorter cargo resupply times than helicopters and other rotorcraft. The AURORA is remotely controlled and has fully autonomous control capability given prescribed GPS waypoints.

 

Vertical takeoff is accomplished via a tilt-wing mechanism controlled with one electromechanical linear actuator and two ducted fans located in the rear stabilizer. The ducted fans are driven by one Pratt & Whitney PT6-25C turboshaft engine. The wings each have a Pratt & Whitney PT6A-60 turboprop engine driving a propeller to generate the required thrust for vertical take-off, in flight, and vertical landing maneuvers. During flight, the cruise speed will vary nominally between 160-180 knots with a cruise altitude of 8,000 feet MSL and a maximum service ceiling of 15,000 feet above MSL. Following liftoff, the wings tilt forward, transitioning
the vehicle from vertical to horizontal flight.

It is possible for two AURORAs to ship within the cargo bay of a C-130J-30 transport aircraft (10 feet high X 9 feet wide X 55 feet long). The wings hinge near the fuselage towards the aft of the body in order to shorten wingspan. Additionally, the propellers of the aircraft will beremoved during shipment to further reduce the width of the vehicle.

 

The AURORA is capable of carrying 1,800 pounds of supplies on two 36 x 36 x 42 inch pallets 300 nautical miles to a target destination and bringing a new full 1,800 pound cargo load back another 300 nautical miles without refueling. The cargo is easily loaded and unloaded through the nose of the aircraft via an extendable ramp.

The AURORA will have an estimated maximum take-off weight of 8474 lbs fully fueled and with cargo and an unloaded dry vehicle weight of 4333 lbs. Flight controls of the aircraft are fully autonomous for every aspect of flight, but the control system also allows for pilot-in-the-loop control through a ground control system. The control system weights less than 40 pounds and is compact enough to be transported by a single person
with a backpack.
 

Below is the final presentation of the AURORA for Flight Vehicle Senior Design (EMA 569) at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: