This paper presents detailed mathematical modeling, controller design, and flight test results for the autonomous mission of a nonconventional fixed-wing biplane micro air vehicle (MAV) called Skylark having span and chord length within 150 mm. Although numerous fixed-wing MAV designs are reported in the open literature, an MAV’s reliable autonomous flight is still a challenge. The primary difficulties in performing the autonomous mission of fixed-wing MAV are system integration within the weight and power budget, center of gravity (CG) management, and flight controller design for fast dynamics. In this paper, the key challenges are addressed by using the higher payload capacity of Skylark, suitable selection and design of avionics components, and design of controller after detailed development of the mathematical model, including the additional effect of propeller wash and motor countertorque. An autonomous flight test is successfully demonstrated after the validation of algorithms and software architecture through nonlinear six-degrees-of-freedom simulation. The detailed design and development approach will increase the MAV’s performance and reliability in civil and military applications.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Autonomous Flight Test of a Novel Nonconventional Biplane Micro Air Vehicle


    Additional title:

    J. Aerosp. Eng.



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2022-09-01




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Optimization of a Biplane Micro Air Vehicle

    Moschetta, Jean-Marc / Thipyopas, Chinnapat | AIAA | 2005


    Aerodynamic Performance of a Biplane Micro Air Vehicle

    Jean-Marc Moschetta / Chinnapat Thipyopas | AIAA | 2007


    Aerodynamic Performance of a Biplane Micro Air Vehicle

    Moschetta, J.-M. | Online Contents | 2007


    Convertible Biplane Aircraft for Autonomous Cargo Delivery

    MORRIS KEVIN / BRODEUR NICHOLAS / FLYNN-ROBITAILLE PASCAL et al. | European Patent Office | 2021

    Free access

    Analysis of Biplane Flapping Flight with Tail

    Tay, Wee Beng / Hester, Bijl / Van Oudheusden, Bas | AIAA | 2012