Tactical Robotics Cormorant

After the 2006 Lebanon War, the IDF realized that it needed a special vehicle that could fly unmanned behind enemy lines to rescue its wounded. While a helicopter is the best evacuation vehicle as of 2020, it requires an area clear of trees or electricity columns to land without obstructing the rotor. Chances of it safely leaving a fire-heavy zone are small as it attracts many sorts of weapons fire.{{cite news

| author =

| year =2010

| url = http://www.airforce-technology.com/projects/airmule-uav/

| title = Cormorant VTOL UAV

| work = Airforce Technology}}{{cite news

| url = http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=472&ArticleID=666

| title = Construction on the Second AirMule Prototype Has Begun

| publisher = Israel Defense

| date = November 1, 2011}}

The advantages of a ducted fan propelled unmanned air vehicle are that it could offer the same abilities as helicopters, but with fewer, less serious operating limits.

It could navigate in and out of creeks, city streets, next to big buildings, compact alleyways, and refugee camp warrens, while shielded rotor blades make it tougher than a regular helicopter. Unmanned vehicles can enter situations too risky for manned helicopters. Cormorant could deliver supplies or cargo, evacuate up to two casualties from a battlefield and transfer them to a field deployed hospital for medical treatment. Some missions may need to be conducted up to hundreds of kilometers from forward operating bases (FOB) and medical care facilities with the only medical support available on scene being unit medics or fellow soldiers. War reports have shown that during combat, moving an injured person only a few hundred yards can take an hour or more.

As of 2012 and into 2014, according to NATO STO TR-HFM-184 report, the AirMule remains the only available design that meets NATO and IDF requirement for an unmanned medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) vehicle.{{cite news

| url = http://i-hls.com/2014/01/global-interest-israeli-casualty-evacuation-uav/

| title = Global Interest in Israeli Casualty Evacuation UAV

| date = January 24, 2014

| website = Israel's Homeland Security (iHLS)

}}

Urban Aeronautics Ltd., has patented its design as Fancraft.[http://www.urbanaero.com/category/airmule] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121225122600/http://www.urbanaero.com/category/airmule |date=2012-12-25 }} Urban Aeronautics

The Fancraft technologies are supported by 37 registered (granted) patents, and 12 more are in process.{{cite news

|last=Eshel |first=Tamir

| date = December 19, 2013

| url = http://defense-update.com/20131219_airmule_flight.html

| title = Israeli AirMule UAV Passes Major Milestone Demonstrating Fully Autonomous Flight

| work = Defense Update

}}

Tactical Robotics Ltd. (TRL), as a subsidiary of Urban Aeronautics Ltd., has an exclusive license for use predominantly in the unmanned military and homeland security markets. TRL has taken the lead in developing the Cormorant. Metro Skyways Ltd. (MSL), as a subsidiary of Urban Aeronautics Ltd., has an exclusive license for use predominantly in the manned civil Air-Taxi and Air-Rescue and MedEvac markets. MSL has taken the lead in developing the X-Hawk.{{cite web

| url = https://www.urbanaero.com/company.html

| title = Company

| author =

| year = 2020

| website = Urban Aeronautics

| access-date = April 11, 2021}}

On May 29, 2018, the Cormorant completed its first live demonstration.{{Cite news|url=https://www.calcalist.co.il/internet/articles/0,7340,L-3739044,00.html|title=צפו: אמבולנס מעופף רובוטי ישראלי מדגים חילוץ פצועים|date=2018-05-29|work=כלכליסט – Calcalist|access-date=2018-05-29}}

In 2004, the X-Hawk LE concept was published by Urban Aeronautics.{{cite news

| url = http://www.tactical-robotics.com/userfiles/files/Press/2004-2008/FlightInternational21Sept04.pdf

| title = X-Hawk developers to build policing model

| publisher = Flight International

| date =September 21–27, 2004}}

In June 2008, a scaled-down technology demonstrator Panda flew for the first time.{{cite magazine

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

|date = June 3–9, 2008

| url = http://www.tactical-robotics.com/userfiles/files/Press/2004-2008/Flight%20International%203-9%20June%202008.pdf

|title = Panda prototype takes to the sky

|magazine= Flight International

|volume =

|page =33 }} It was built to demonstrate its new flight control system and to attract partners.{{cite journal

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

|date = October 3, 2006

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/urban-kicks-off-hunt-for-mule-medevac-uav-partners-209646/

|title = Urban kicks off hunt for Mule medevac UAV partners

|journal = FlightGlobal

|volume =

|page =26}}

Elbit Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries and Urban Aeronautics joined in the X-Hawk project headed by the non-profit Aerospace Medicine Research Center (Fisher institute for air and space strategic studies).{{cite journal

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| date = February 6, 2007

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/unmanned-evacuation-vehicle-enters-next-phase-211960/

| title = Unmanned evacuation vehicle enters next phase

|journal = FlightGlobal

|volume = }}

The initial idea for the UAV were civilian in nature, but after the publication of plans to equip the US marines with UAVs able to transport humans, it was decided to concentrate on military uses.{{cite news

| url = http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=472&ArticleID=543

| title = The 'Air Mule' Takes off

| publisher = Israel Defense

| date = August 4, 2011

}} In 2008, Urban Aeronautics released its initial concept art.{{Cite news

|last=Krisch |first=Joshua A.

| date = January 30, 2014

| url = http://www.popularmechanics.com/how-to/blog/ambulance-drones-are-almost-here-16439614

| title = Ambulance Drones are Almost Here

| work = Popular Mechanics

}} On January 7, 2009, a cargo variant that can fly at speeds of {{convert|200–250|kn|km/h|0|abbr=on|disp=flip}} began wind tunnel testing. In 2009, the Mule model was shown at the Israeli pavilion at the 48th Paris Air Show.{{cite news

| url = http://defense-update.com/products/m/urban_mule_040709.html

| title = Unmanned Mule Set for First Flight

| publisher = Defense Update

| year =2009}} Its maiden flight was scheduled for April 2009, but was postponed. In June 2009, the UAV was shipped to a flight-testing facility located in central Israel where its Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 engine performed a series of ground tests for hover testing.

Around January 12, 2010, the renamed AirMule had its (tethered) maiden flight, reaching an altitude of only 2 feet.{{cite news

| url = http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/landspeeder-uav-completes-first-lift

| title = Landspeeder UAV Completes First Lift Off

| publisher = Popular Science

| date = January 12, 2010

}} In 30 tethered tests of 1 min duration, it completed the first phase of testing and it demonstrated the fly-by-wire control system’s ability to stabilize the vehicle in all three axes using inertial measurements augmented by Global Positioning System (GPS) and two laser altimeters.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/urban-prepares-to-let-airmule-uav-off-the-tether-337031/

| title = Urban prepares to let AirMule UAV off the tether

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = January 13, 2010

}}{{cite news

| url = http://www.hightech-edge.com/urban-aeronautics-uav-airmule-uav-first-liftoff/6507/

| title = AirMule VTOL UAV

| publisher = New HighTed-EDGE

| date = January 26, 2010

}} The next phase of flight testing planned for March was moved back.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/untethered-hover-flight-for-mule-slips-to-mid-year-339620/

| title = Untethered hover flight for Mule slips to mid-year

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = March 18, 2010

}} On April 21, 2010, it achieved sustained tethered automatic hovering flight at an altitude of up to 9.8 ft (3m), which paved the way for the first untethered flight later that year.{{cite news

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-urbans-air-mule-achieves-sustained-tethered-hover-340979/

| title = Picture: Urban's Air Mule achieves sustained tethered hover

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = April 10, 2010

}} After 40 test hovers and 10 hours of flight time, the AirMule underwent systems upgrades. By October 5, 2010, the AirMule's skid were replaced by a wheeled landing gear to facilitate ground manoeuvring and to enable short take-off (STOL) and vertical landing operations (VTOL).{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-airmule-uav-gains-wheels-for-stovl-operations-348140/

| title = Pictures: AirMule UAV gains wheels for STOVL operations

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = October 5, 2010

}} First considerations were given to countermeasures.

{{cite journal

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

|date = October 9, 2010

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israel-eyes-countermeasures-for-casevac-uavs-349483/

|title = Israel eyes countermeasures for casevac UAVs

|journal = FlightGlobal

|volume = }}

Flight testing resumed until January 2011, when the AirMule underwent system and structural upgrades which were completed by May 9, 2011. It was fitted with an expanded suite of sensors, and a new energy-absorbing wheeled landing gear. The aerodynamics of the lower fuselage was improved for better control responses in gusty wind conditions.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/picture-improved-airmule-resumes-flight-testing-356411/

| title = Picture: Improved AirMule resumes flight testing

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = May 9, 2011

}} On June 30, 2011, it was revealed that a variant the AirMule will be equipped with a remotely operated robotic arm to undertake tasks that pose a danger to humans. This was in response to requests by operators of power line maintenance, and by agencies responsible for the safety of nuclear reactors.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/video-airmule-to-get-robotic-arm-for-precision-tasks-358964/

| title = VIDEO: AirMule to get robotic arm for precision tasks

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = June 30, 2011

}} By August 2011, the AirMule had accumulated about 40 flying hours. The Defense Ministry is financing half the operational technologies. In September 2011, the IDF had identified an operational requirement for an unmanned VTOL platform to be used to perform resupply and medical evacuation tasks from the front line. The IDF began to allocate a budget for the requirement in the long term acquisition plan. The defence ministry will participate in the funding.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| date = September 15, 2011

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/israeli-military-eyes-airmule-for-medevac-missions-362023/

| title = Israeli military eyes AirMule for medevac missions

| publisher = FlightGlobal

}} Around October 31, 2011, building of a second AirMule prototype began. It will receive a double redundant hydraulic system and stealth technology features.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/urban-aeronautics-starts-work-on-second-airmule-363987/

| title = Urban Aeronautics starts work on second AirMule

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = October 31, 2011

}}

On April 23, 2012, it was revealed that a Controp D-Stamp stabilized electro-optical airborne sensor was installed on the first prototype.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/airmule-uas-to-fly-with-new-hydraulics-371000/

| title = AirMule UAS to fly with new hydraulics

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = April 23, 2012}}{{cite news

| url = http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=472&ArticleID=1179

| title = A Mule's Precision

| publisher = Israel Defense

| date = April 17, 2012}}

On January 21, 2013, it was revealed that the first prototype will receive new propeller blades for the new six-bladed rotors. These will replace the four-bladed rotors that have been used since the start of 2010. The change will increase payload capacity by about {{convert|200|kg|lb}}. The blades comply with the loads specified for the US Federal Aviation Administration's FAR 35 standard for propellers. The first test flight was scheduled for mid-February.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/ducted-fan-airmule-to-get-new-blades-381287/

| title = Ducted-fan AirMule to get new blades

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = January 13, 2013}}

On February 26, 2013, plans for a high-speed AirMule version was revealed to be the formerly tested cargo variant. It will be used for tactical resupply missions.{{cite news

|last=Egozi |first=Arie

| url = http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/pictures-urban-aeronautics-reveals-high-speed-airmule-382752/

| title = Pictures: Urban Aeronautics reveals high-speed AirMule variant

| publisher = FlightGlobal

| date = February 26, 2013}}

On February 25, 2014, it was announced that Green Hills Software real-time operating system (RTOS) had been chosen by Urban Aeronautics.{{cite press release

| url = http://www.ghs.com/news/20140225_ew2014_urban_aero.html

| title = Green Hills Software Integrity RTOS chosen by Urban Aeronautics for AirMule Unmanned Aerial System

| publisher = Green Hills Software

| date = February 25, 2014

}}{{cite news

| url = https://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/idUSnMKWJJlSma+1f4+MKW20140225

| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140903102121/http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/02/25/idUSnMKWJJlSma+1f4+MKW20140225

| url-status = dead

| archive-date = September 3, 2014

| title = Green Hills Software Integrity RTOS chosen by Urban Aeronautics for AirMule Unmanned Aerial System

| publisher = Reuters

| date = February 25, 2014}}

The design, Fancraft, was inspired by the Piasecki VZ-8 Airgeep's revolutionary design with two tandem ducted fans. However, the similarities end there. Forward thrust is provided mainly by two ducted fan thrusters located at the sides of the aft section. The lift fan and thrusters are powered by a single turboshaft turbine through three proprietary gearboxes and shafts. The early prototype was powered by a Turbomeca Arriel 1D1 which was later replaced a Turbomeca Arriel 2. Originally the prototype lift fans had four-blade rotors, but the final fans have six-blade rotors which are staggered for a speed variant.

The fuselage is constructed from carbon (fiber)-composite.

Two 770 liters air-conditioned cells on its sides are designed to receive stretchers and casualties. The cells will also have devices for transfusions during flight. Initial interior cabin noise was measured in hover at 95 decibels without any incorporated acoustic treatment or liners.

An additional 1,100 liters are available in an optional belly mounted compartment.{{cite web

| url = http://www.tactical-robotics.com/category/airmule

| title = AirMule

| publisher = Tactical Robotics

| year =

}} The fuselage forms an airfoil and generates over 50% of lift at high speed (US Patent # 7,806,362B2).{{cite web

| url = http://www.tactical-robotics.com/category/faq

| title = FAQ

| publisher = Tactical Robotics

| year =

}} An aerodynamic bulge between the ducted fans keeps the airflow attached to it via Coandă effect and Bernoulli's principle, hence generating lift, while diverting the airflow into the aft fan for increased thrust.

For military uses, the Cormorant can be equipped with flare and chaff countermeasures. Since the second prototype, the Cormorant has improved stealth. The fuselage structure and design of the engine’s exhaust pipe reduce its noise, heat, and radar signatures, including an appropriate flight profile.{{cite news

|url = http://www.israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=472&ArticleID=809

|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20120620084850/http://israeldefense.com/?CategoryID=472&ArticleID=809

|url-status = dead

|archive-date = June 20, 2012

|title = The Stealth AirMule

|publisher = Israel Defense

|date = January 18, 2012

}} Early tests without stealth measured 87 decibels during hover at a distance of 125 feet. The Trophy system was considered for inclusion.

For increasing or decreasing overall lift, the angle of attack for all blades is collectively altered by equal amounts at the same time resulting in ascents, or descents.

The Fancraft technology on the Cormorant employs a Vane Control System (VCS), US Patents #6,464,166 and 6,817,570, consisting of 200 vanes at the inlet and outlet ducts that can be deflected simultaneously (top and bottom) or differentially to generate side force or a rolling movement. Front and rear ducts are deflected differentially for yaw. The VCS generates six degrees of freedom independent of one another. The VCS is powered by a dual redundant hydraulic system which will allow for uninterrupted rotor pitch control in the event of a failure to one of the pressure supply lines. The VCS is engaged in excess of 100 per second. The early VCS was generating more than 2.0 radians/sec² of roll acceleration for roll and yaw control. It was planned to double roll acceleration with planned improvements, enabling precise hovering in gusty wind conditions with wind speeds of up to 50 kn (92.5 km/h).

A set of louvers at the front of the forward duct and rear of the aft duct that open during forward flight to allow the incoming flow to move through the duct and thereby greatly reduce drag to enable forward speeds of 100–120 knots in contrast to a top speed of typically 40 knots in a conventional ducted-fan design (US Patent # 7,806,362B2).

Due to the absence of a rotor, hence autorotation, Fancraft will be equipped with a ballistically deployed parachute to be used in cases of catastrophic engine failure.

The AirMule is equipped with GPS for translational position and velocity readings, two laser altimeters to indicate the vehicle’s height above ground which will be augmented by a doppler radar altimeter for dusty conditions.

A Controp D-Stamp stabilized electro-optical sensor, provided as part of the auto-land system, will enable the aircraft to guide itself to land over any high contrast marker (flare, flag, a red cloth) in a combat zone. If a landing site cannot be highlighted by placing a physical marker, a laser spot from an airborne designator can be used.

The flight-control system is a four-channel redundant fly-by-wire system that relies almost entirely on inertial navigation system measurements augmented by GPS signals.

The Cormorant uses the Integrity real-time operating system (RTOS) and Multi integrated development environment (IDE) for custom programming.

Sensors and other subsystems use three datalinks providing 460 channels of real-time telemetry.

The retrieved and transferred data will be stored at a ground control unit (GCU), which will be equipped with an air data computer for displaying its position. The GCU will monitor telemetry data supplied by the UAV using uplink and downlink communication devices. Pilots will use a fly-by-wire flight control system, and an automatic stabilization feature to help control the aircraft and maintain level flight. The Cormorant can land safely despite communication errors in the GCS.

Certification by the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been a prime consideration in every aspect of Fancraft. They are being designed to comply with the FAA's FAR Part 27 and Part 29 (depending on weight) certification standards, and with the special Powered Lift certification standard that applies to tiltrotor aircraft.

One Cormorant can ferry {{convert|500|kg|lb}} of useful cargo per each {{convert|50|km|mi}} radius sortie, thereby delivering about {{convert|6000|kg|lb}} over 24 hours. A 10–12 Cormorant Mobile Supply Unit can deliver supplies, day after day, to sustain 3,000 combatants, while at the same time ferrying back their wounded and casualties.

Equipped with remotely controlled manipulator arms it can be used for inspections, maintenance operations or repairs, flying above dangerous zones such as nuclear reactors and areas contaminated by chemical plant leaks. Examples could include replacing damaged insulators on power lines, pumping heavy water into pools covering uranium rods inside damaged nuclear reactors, fixing leaking pipes or repairing areas under bridges or marine structures that have suffered corrosion damage, and agricultural spraying.

• High-speed Cormorant for tactical supply mission, staggered-rotors, 250 kn, fuselage design with spoiler to increase use of airflow for more thrust. The variant will be powered by a {{convert|1,600|shp|kW}} class turbine engine, and is 20% larger and 50% heavier than a standard Cormorant.

Urban Aeronautics is in contact with the United States Army and the militaries of other nations, including India and Italy, for possible sale of the Cormorant.

• Elbit Systems
• SkySaver
• Israel Aerospace Industries
• Bell Textron{{cite magazine

|last=Derby |first=Paul

|date = July 18, 2006

| url = http://www.tactical-robotics.com/userfiles/files/Press/2004-2008/http%20%20%20www_export_gov_il%20Eng%20_Articles%20Article.pdf

|title = Bell Helicopter joins Urban Aero to launch X-Hawk flying car using fancraft technology for emergency services and special missions

|magazine= Flight International

|volume =

|page =33}}{{Cite news

| author =

| date = January 31, 2007

| url = https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna16904339

| title = Flying car could come to your rescue

| publisher = NBC News}}

{{Aircraft specs

|ref=

|prime units?=kts

|capacity=2 patients

|width m=3.5

|width note=, 2.15 m without thrusters

|length m=6.2

|height m=2.3

|height note=, 1.8 m without thrusters

|aspect ratio=

|airfoil=

|empty weight kg=771

|empty weight lb=

|max takeoff weight kg=1406

|max takeoff weight lb=

|max takeoff weight note=

|fuel capacity=

|eng1 name=Turbomeca Ariel 2

|eng1 number=1

|eng1 type=turboshaft turbine

|eng1 kw=701

|eng1 hp=

|eng1 shp=940

|eng1 note=
early prototype fuel consumption for 1h mission
{{convert|132|kg|lb|0}} @ {{convert|65|kn|km/h mph|0}}
{{convert|163|kg|lb|0}} @ {{convert|100|kn|km/h mph|0}}

|rot number=6

|rot dia m=1.8

|rot area sqft=

|prop blade number=2

|prop name=

|prop dia m=

|prop dia note=

|cruise speed kts=

|cruise speed note=

|max speed kts=97

|max speed note=at sea level

|range nmi=

|range note=

|ceiling ft=12000

|ceiling note=

|climb rate ms= 30.4

|climb rate ftmin=

|climb rate note=early prototype

|lift to drag=

|endurance=up to 5 hours

}}

• Payload: {{convert|500|kg|lb}} in a typical 1 h mission for a range of {{convert|50|km|nmi mi|abbr=on|0}} (20 minutes reserve)
  250 kg for up to 5 h

• Urban Aeronautics X-Hawk, a two-engine model intended to transport five to eight passengers
• Urban Aeronautics Centaur, designed to carry three to five passengers with no pilot
• Aerial Reconfigurable Embedded System

• Northrop Grumman MQ-8 Fire Scout
• Boeing A160 Hummingbird
• Kaman K-MAX

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|www.tactical-robotics.com}}, Tactical Robotics Ltd.
• {{Official website|www.urbanaero.com}}, Urban Aeronautics Ltd.

{{Flying cars}}

Category:Rescue

Category:Unmanned aerial vehicles of Israel

Category:Lift fan