Conceptual design of an unmanned aerial vehicle for fast container transport

The rapid development of technologies in the area of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) combined with its wide spread in the civil market, indicates the possibility of creating a relatively large unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for cargo transportation (maximum take-off weight more than 18 tons). The concept of unmanned flight will improve the efficiency of an airplane with conventional layout. The removal of the crew compartment and associated systems makes it possible to apply advanced layout solutions that refine aerodynamics, reduce the airframe weight, direct operating costs, etc. This paper presents the conceptual design of a Civil Transport UAS (CITRUS). The CITRUS is intended for fast transportation of commercial containerized loads up to 7 tons with speed 830-850 km/h. The article provides the basic premises and principles of the new concept. The features of the aerodynamic layout of the CITRUS are described. Estimates of the aerodynamic and performance characteristics are given.