The Hammerhead VSTOL concept was conceived in 1993 after fundamental issues with stability and control were identified with a tilt wing VTOL aircraft that was being evaluated at the time.
In 2003 with advances in battery, electric motors and control system technology development a simplified forward flight variant of the proposed design was tested successfully.
Prototype development of the full scale UAV model commenced in late 2003. The radio controlled first flight of the prototype occurred on the 25 February 2006.
Successful low rate hover control was realised in February 2007.
Hover handling qualities analysis as well as STOL flight tests are currently being conducted.
Further work is currently been conducted to improve roll handling qualities. Significant effort has been put into the design off the thrust vectoring nozzle which now provides more than adequate pitch and yaw control power.
Interested parties or investers who are willing to participate in the development are welcome to register their interest.
Early Days Running Off an Oily Rag
Hammerhead VTOL concept in 1993
Hammerhead today