This paper covers the construction and testing of a proof-of-concept model of a high altitude, rigid-winged, tethered aircraft. The aircraft is designed as a replacement for aerostats, to act as a payload positioning platform for communication and surveillance equipment. The initial design was found to be unstable through testing, and a series of 60 cm wingspan, small-scale models were constructed to experimentally modify the design into a stable aircraft. Once a suitable design was obtained, a 1.2 m scale model was constructed with a horizon sensing, closed-loop proportional feedback control system for lateral stability augmentation. The stability-augmented model flew stably, for extended periods. Lift and drag measurements were obtained from the flight tests and compared to theoretical calculations. A wind tunnel test was also conducted on the small-scale model to verify the flight test results. Finally, improvements to the stability control system design were suggested, and recommendations were made for larger-scale model construction.
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