PB140 Foldable Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle System

Introduction

The PB140 foldable wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) system adopts an integrated design for storage, transportation, and launch. The UAV platform can be folded into a tube and launched using a tube-based gas ejection method.It is equipped with a visible/infrared dual-sensor payload and a warhead, capable of striking enemy medium and large tanks, armored vehicles, or fortifications. The PB140 can be used for single-soldier operations or mounted in vehicle-based cluster launches to conduct saturation attacks on enemy areas.

Architecture of UAV

· Functions

This product is a reconnaissance-type foldable wing UAV, equipped with a visible/infrared dual-sensor payload. It is used for reconnaissance of target areas. The vehicle is launched using a tube-based air ejection method. Its workflow is shown in the figure below:

Figure 1: Workflow Diagram

· Composition

The PB140 foldable wing UAV consists of the aircraft platform subsystem, control subsystem, and launch subsystem. The equipment block diagram is shown in Figure 2. The components of each subsystem are shown in Figures 3, 4, and 5, respectively. The equipment layout is shown in Figure 6.

Figure 2: System Composition Block Diagram

Figure 3: Aircraft Platform Subsystem Composition Block Diagram

Figure 4: Control Subsystem Composition Block Diagram

Figure 5: Launch Subsystem Composition Block Diagram

Figure 6: Aircraft Platform Subsystem Onboard Equipment Installation Layout Diagram

· Specifications

Table 1: Overall System Specifications

Composition of UAV Equipment

· Aircraft Platform Subsystem

The PB140 foldable wing UAV system is divided into three parts: the aircraft platform, the control subsystem, and the launch subsystem. The control subsystem consists of an independent handheld control terminal (Figures 8 and 9). The launch subsystem consists of a separate launch tube (Figure 11). Both are complete independent modules. The aircraft platform subsystem is mainly divided into nine modules: guidance head, fuselage, left forward wing, right forward wing, left rear wing, right rear wing, left V-shaped tail wing, right V-shaped tail wing, and propeller. The entire system is composed of 11 modules, as shown in the figure below:

Figure 7: Schematic Diagram of Aircraft Platform Subsystem Structural Modular Composition

·Connection method:

①and④are connected by 4 M3 bolts.

②and③are connected by a torsion spring.

⑤and⑥are connected by a torsion spring.

④and⑦are connected by a torsion spring.

④and⑧are connected by a torsion spring.

⑨and④are connected by two M3 set screws

· Control Subsystem

The control subsystem of the foldable wing UAV system features a portable design, available in two forms: a handheld control terminal and a dual-screen workstation. It integrates remote control, data transmission, image transmission, and ground station functions. The system is compact and easy to operate. The joysticks, switches, and buttons on the control terminal or workstation are mapped to the operational commands of the UAV. The operation logic of the foldable wing UAV is simple yet powerful. Its built-in link operates in the 1.4GHz frequency band and provides stable data transmission within a 10-kilometer range. Additionally, links with 30-kilometer or 50-kilometer ranges can be configured according to requirements.

Figure 8: Physical Image of Handheld Control Terminal

Figure 9: Physical Image of Dual-Screen Workstation

Figure 10: Radio Communication

· Launch Subsystem

The launch subsystem uses nitrogen as the power source, releasing nitrogen instantaneously to launch the folding-wing UAV. The launch subsystem is designed as an integrated system with the following features: easy operation, no infrared signature, low noise, no risk of explosion caused by a gunpowder launch chamber, and the ability to withstand low temperatures and adapt to high-altitude environments.

Figure 11: Physical Image of Single-Tube/Cluster Launcher

Operational Process of Loitering Munitions

1）Retract the Vertical Stabilizer
Simultaneously rotate the left and right vertical tail fins 90 degrees forward, fold them towards the sides of the fuselage, and then secure them in place.
2）Fold the Forward Wings
Fold the left forward wing 90 degrees towards the tail until the wing edge is parallel to the fuselage axis. Fold the right forward wing 90 degrees towards the tail until the wing edge is parallel to the fuselage axis. At the same time, keep the forward wings and vertical tail fins in the folded position.
3）Fold the Rear Wings
Fold the left rear wing 90 degrees towards the nose until the wing edge is parallel to the fuselage axis. Fold the right rear wing 90 degrees towards the nose until the wing edge is parallel to the fuselage axis, then keep them stationary.
4）Retract the Propulsion Propeller
Rotate the propeller hub horizontally, and fold the left and right propellers towards the aircraft's nose until the propellers are close to the vertical tail.
5）Place the aircraft into the launch tube
Keep the aircraft horizontal, rotate the hub to make it as horizontal as possible. Install the booster block at the rear of the aircraft (Note: the hub must be embedded in the matching slot of the booster block!).
Keep the launch tube in a horizontal position. Align the tail of the aircraft with the opening of the launch tube. With the front wings facing upwards and the rear wings facing downwards, slowly push the aircraft into the launch tube.
6）Check the alignment and positioning of the aircraft inside the launch tube
After the aircraft is loaded into the launch tube, if the front end of the seeker aligns with the pre-marked position inside the tube, it indicates that the aircraft is properly installed, and the process of folding the aircraft into the tube is complete. If the alignment is not correct, it means the aircraft is not properly installed and needs to be removed and reloaded into the tube.

Equipment Images