From Concept to prototype: development of a glider wing for surveillance tasks

Abstract

Coastal surveillance is essential for protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring maritime security [1], yet traditional methods such as ship patrols, radar, and satellites face cost and coverage limitations. Unmanned gliders offer a long-range, long-endurance, and low-cost alternative with reduced environmental impact [2]. This study presents the design and development of a composite wing for a surveillance glider, integrating aerodynamic optimization, structural analysis, FEA validation, fabrication, and experimental testing. The aerodynamic and structural frameworks were developed to maximize endurance while ensuring sufficient strength and stiffness, enabling a reliable and efficient wing configuration for coastal surveillance missions.