Powering Future Micro Air Vehicles

Many scenarios for future unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) predict a shrinking size and growing requirement for power. From bird and bug-sized vehicles to sensing microdots, micro air vehicles (MAVs) present opportunities to counter many of the threats facing military aviation. However, these systems will require high-density energy sources to produce the desired effects in the operational environment of 2030. As micro-technology becomes nano-technology over the next three decades, power sources and batteries available for aviation applications will become more capable. The key question is, "Will power sources meet the needs of future MAVs and their payloads?" Because the power source is a key enabler for nearly all expected MAV applications, answering this question is critical to understanding the potential for these systems. After investigating the predicted demand and potential supplies, this research determined MAVs will have adequate power to create significant effects on the 2030 battlefield.