Drag reduction device for externally carried payloads on aircraft

An uncrewed aerial vehicle (UAV) comprising:

• a fuselage extending along a first direction from a rear end to a front end;
• an external payload storage area positioned at an intermediate position along a length of the fuselage between the front end and the rear end, wherein the external payload storage area is configured to receive a payload that is secured to the fuselage and that extends laterally outward from the fuselage at the intermediate position;
• and
• a drag reduction device having a length extending from an attached end that is secured to the fuselage to a free end, a width that extends perpendicular to the first direction of the fuselage, and a depth,
• wherein the width of the drag reduction device is greater than the depth,
• wherein the drag reduction device is rotatably coupled to the fuselage and configured to be moved by aerodynamic forces during flight toward an operating position, and
• wherein, in the operating position, the drag reduction device is positioned in front of the payload storage area, is spaced from the payload storage area, and extends outward from the fuselage.