NSTU-NETI proposed to create a network of small airfields to provide transport links to the regions

Daniil Matveev, a graduate student and an employee of the student design bureau of the Aircraft Faculty, presented his project — a mock-up of a small autonomous airfield at the IV Congress of Young Scientists in the Sirius Science and Art Park. 

"There is a problem of weak connectivity of regions both within and among themselves. Creating a network of small airfields that can act as a kind of connecting points will help solve it. They are designed for small aircraft, such as our universal aircraft "Sarma" or for the fuel assemblies "Partizan" with a shortened take-off and landing. The purpose of such airfields is to transport cargo, transport people, and provide emergency medical care," said Daniil Matveev.

The project includes a compact runway for light aircraft and a unique energy supply system. The airfield receives energy from wind and solar power plants built into its structure. The use of renewable energy sources makes the airfield environmentally friendly and economically profitable.

Daniil noted that the airfield network, energy sources and Sarma are part of one large project that is being implemented at the university. The project to create a network of airfields is a long-term one, involving the availability of small aircraft and alternative energy sources. The development team is also currently looking for an industrial partner.

Earlier, an optional manned version of the Sarma unmanned aircraft was presented at NSTU-NETI, which is currently being prepared for flight tests. The work on the project is carried out within the framework of the program of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation "Priority 2030" of the national project "Science and Universities". The development team from the FLA Student Design Bureau also presented a sample of a wind power plant that is more affordable for consumers than its existing counterparts on the market.