A micro air vehicle (MAV) is a class of miniature unmanned aerial vehicles that has a size restriction and may be autonomous. Fixed-wing MAVs are very attractive for outdoor surveillance missions since they generally offer better payload and endurance capabilities than rotorcraft or flapping-wing vehicles of equal size. This research paper describes the methodology applying indicial function theory and artificial neural networks for identification of aerodynamic derivatives for fixed-wing MAV. The formulation herein proposed extends well- known aerodynamic theories, which are limited to thin aerofoils in incompressible flow, to strake wing planforms. Using results from dynamic water tunnel tests and indicial functions approach allowed to identify MAV aerodynamic derivatives. The experiments were conducted in a water tunnel in the course of dynamic tests of periodic oscillatory motion. The tests program range was set at high angles of attack and a wide scope of reduced frequencies of angular movements. Due to a built-in propeller, the model’s structure test program was repeated for a turned-on propelled drive system. As a result of these studies, unsteady aerodynamics characteristics and aerodynamic derivatives of the micro-aircraft were identified as functions of state parameters. At the Warsaw University of Technology and the Air Force Institute of Technology, a “Bee” fixed wings micro aerial vehicle with an innovative strake-wing outline and a propeller placed in the wing gap was worked. This article is devoted to the problems of identification of aerodynamic derivatives of this micro-aircraft. The result of this research was the identification of the aerodynamic derivatives of the fixed wing MAV “Bee” as non-linear functions of the angle of attack, and reduced frequency. The identification was carried out using the indicial function approach.

The tendency to increase the temperature of gases and the desire to extend the service life forces the use of a protective coating on the blade. The publication presents the technology of applying a heat-resistant protective coating onto the jet engine turbine blade by means of plasma thermal spraying, taking into account the process of aluminizing and heat treatment after aluminizing. The paper presents the results of work on the possibilities of shaping the thickness of the protective coating on the blade by changing the parameters of the spraying process, such as spraying distance, amount of hydrogen, amount of argon and the number of torch passes.

Methods of diagnosing technical condition of aircraft hydraulic systems have been analysed. Associated precision pairs of aircraft hydraulic systems have been presented. The most essential features of operating conditions and the loads that affect distributor components of sliding pairs have been identified. The structure of BU intensifier with a sliding distributor has been illustrated. Equation for internal leakages for a precision hydraulic pair with a concentric annular gap (clearance) has been presented. Illustrated and discussed are instances of examining internal leakages occurring in hydraulic systems (with direct methods applied). Findings of research into these issues have been presented as based on measurements taken on the hydraulic system of the Su-22 operated by the Air Force of the Republic of Poland. The technique of examining the problem consists in taking and recording measurements of the drop in pressure in the hydraulic system. The relationship between time of pressure-drop and total leakage for hydraulic systems of particular Su-22 aircraft has been illustrated. The results of research direct and indirect methods have been presented and analysed. Both methods have been compared from the aspect of assessing technical condition of the aircraft hydraulic system. Potential factors that could affect measurements with a given method have been identified.

Hydraulic pumps are among the most complex and responsible units from the point of view of aircraft flight safety. One of the most important scientific and technical problems in improving the reliability of hydraulic pumps is to understand the physical nature of the cause of damage in them and on this basis to develop measures and recommendations to ensure their reliability. The article discusses the characteristics of hydraulic piston pairs of hydraulic pumps according to the kinematics of their movement and load conditions. Selected actual damages of axial piston pumps are discussed. The paper presents a simplified 3D solid model of the cylinder-piston assembly and the mechanism for adjusting the inclination of the piston cylinder block, the axial hydraulic pump, and the model of breaking loads for selected elements of this pump. The digital solid model and element load analysis were developed in SolidWorks Simulation.

Defects in an aircraft can be caused by design flaw, manufacturer flaw or wear and tear from use. Although inspections are performed on the airplane before and after flights, accidents still result from faulty equipment and malfunctioning components. Determining the causes of an aircraft accident is an outcome of a very laborious and often very long investigation process. According to the statistics, currently the human factor has the biggest share within the causal groups. Along with the development of aviation technology came a decline in the number of accidents caused by failures or malfunctions, though such still happen, especially considering aging aircraft. Discovering causes and factors behind an aircraft accident is of crucial significance from the perspective of improving aircraft operational safety. Effective prevention is the basic measure of raising the aircraft reliability level, and the safety-related guidelines must be developed based on verified facts, reliable analysis and logical conclusions. This article presents simulation tests carried out by finite element method and constitutive laboratory tests leading to the explanation of the direct cause of a military aircraft accident. Computer-based simulation methods are particularly useful when it comes to analysing the kinematics of mechanisms and potential stress concentration points. Using computer models enables analysing an individual element failure process, identifying their sequence and locating their primary failure source.