Tbilisi Air Expo

Unmanned Air Technologies (UAT), a leading player in the Georgian aerospace industry in the field of UAVs, took center stage at the Tbilisi Air Expo, a exhibition organized by the National Science Library of Georgia and the National Aeromodelling Federation of Georgia. This event, dedicated to civil aviation and the STEM field, marked a significant milestone in the country’s aerospace landscape.

Interview with Euro News Georgia, Ivane Maisaia CEO of Unmanned Air Technologies (UAT).

The Tbilisi Air Expo brought together a diverse array of participants, including Georgian aerospace startups, companies in related fields, higher educational institutions, and local federations in the aviation sector. Unmanned Air Technologies (UAT) seized the opportunity to showcase its technology, unveiling the MAY-21 Observer, the first Georgian Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).

Founders of Unmanned Air Technologies (UAT) with MAY-21 Observer

During the presentation session, Unmanned Air Technologies’ CEO, Ivane Maisaia, provided insights into the capabilities and applications of the MAY-21 Observer. He elucidated on how this innovative UAV plays a crucial role in the company’s vision for a 24-hour live aerial monitoring system, focusing on environmental monitoring, fire detection/prevention, and crisis management.

The event marked a historic moment for Georgia, being the first of its kind in the country. The exhibition served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration within the aerospace community. Participants had the chance to share their experiences, exchange information on existing projects and research, and collectively contemplate the future development of the aerospace field in Georgia.

The Tbilisi Air Expo garnered significant interest from a diverse audience, evident in the bustling attendance and enthusiastic engagement of visitors. The exhibition not only provided a platform for Unmanned Air Technologies to showcase its technological prowess but also facilitated a dynamic exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly contribute to the advancement of Georgia’s aerospace industry.

Kids on flight simulator. Image by National Science Library of Georgia.

International Civil Aviation Day, observed annually on December 7, commemorates the importance of civil aviation in fostering global connectivity and economic development. This day recognizes the contributions of aviation to social and economic progress, emphasizing the role of international cooperation in ensuring the safety, security, and sustainability of air travel worldwide. As we celebrate this occasion, we acknowledge the vital role that civil aviation plays in connecting people, cultures, and businesses across the globe.

HYDRO-X at AIAA Aviation Forum 2023

Our CEO and founder Ivane Maisaia presented paper “Optionally Piloted Hypersonic Aerospace Vehicle With Inflight Hydrogen Generation Propulsion System” on High Speed Vehicles session at the San-Diego AIAA Aviation Forum 2023.

The article presents a conceptual design of an aerospace vehicle, Hydro-X, which has the
capability to extract hydrogen from the atmosphere during hypersonic flight and use it as
fuel. By utilizing the energy generated during flight, this approach extends the flight
endurance and creates new capabilities for hypersonic flight. The article discusses the
concepts of an in-flight refueling system, brief computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis
of the hydrogen extraction system, potential materials for the vehicle structure and nanofilters, and mission capabilities. The article concludes by discussing the challenges and
future research directions required to realize the Hydro-X concept.

Hydro-X has the potential to be a game-changer for the future of atmospheric and space flight by creating an efficient and eco-friendly solution. However, further research is required for proof of concept. Challenges include precise modeling of hydrogen extraction from the atmosphere, considering chemistry, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and electrical processes to provide clear evidence of water dissociation feasibility. Material research is necessary for nanofilters that can withstand high temperatures and pressures without degradation. Additionally, the efficiency of the hydrogen extraction system must be studied across various altitudes, clouds, and atmospheric conditions. Design optimization is needed to reduce the total surface area and find the optimal nano-filter area. Investigations into the optimal mission types for manned, unmanned, atmospheric, and space flights are also essential.