Term 252

Stealth Loyal Wingman UCAV-Graduate Prototype with Autonomous Takeoff & Landing​ ​

Project Type: Self-Initiated

Project Description

This project develops a stealth-inspired, non-weaponized loyal wingman UCAV prototype along with a mission-level simulation environment designed for manned-unmanned teaming in Saudi Arabia. The platform focuses on autonomous takeoff and landing, lost-link failsafe, reliable telemetry, stealth-inspired shaping, and modular payload capability. The problem addressed is that jet fighters are costly and high-risk to operate, and since Saudi Arabia currently lacks a fixed-wing loyal wingman platform, an unmanned loyal wingman test aircraft is needed to reduce pilot risk and enable manned-unmanned teaming in combat and surveillance missions. Key specifications include end-to-end control latency of 1 second or less, positive control at all distances up to 50 m line-of-sight, flight range of 3 km or more, airspeed of 15 m/s or more in level flight, and a modular payload bay supporting 0.5 kg or more. The project must comply with GAMI regulations for non-weaponized operation.