The purpose of this paper is to describe the longitudinal dynamics of a hover-capable rigid-winged unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) under various equilibrium flight conditions. The effects of the variable-incidence wing in comparison with the fixed in-incidence wing on the dynamics of UAV are also discussed.

    Design/methodology/approach

    The aerodynamic modeling of the vehicle covers both pre-stall and post-stall regimes using a three-dimensional vortex lattice method incorporating viscous corrections. The trim states across a velocity spectrum are evaluated using a nonlinear constrained optimization scheme based on sequential quadratic programming. Then linearized dynamic analysis around trim states is carried out in order to compare the characteristics of the conventional platform with the modified platform incorporating variable-incidence wing.

    Findings

    It is found that with the variable-incidence wing, the longitudinal equilibrium flights can be achieved with reduced thrust-to-weight ratio demands and lower elevator deflection. However, the use of the variable-incidence wing changes the dynamic characteristics of the vehicle considerably as indicated through the linear dynamic analysis.

    Research limitations/implications

    The results presented in this paper are based on linear dynamic analysis about static trim point data. Further analysis taking into account nonlinearity, the unsteady aerodynamic effects and associated cross-coupling because of asymmetric forces may be needed to reveal the true dynamics of the vehicle under unsteady maneuvers.

    Practical implications

    The variable-incidence wing is a useful design feature to reduce the thrust-to-weight ratio requirements and to increase elevator control authority, however its effect on the dynamics warrants further investigation.

    Originality/value

    This is the first paper highlighting the effects of variable-incidence wing on an agile hover-capable UAV.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Longitudinal flight dynamic analysis of an agile UAV


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2010-09-07


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    Longitudinal flight dynamic analysis of an agile UAV

    Maqsood, Adnan | Online Contents | 2010


    Deep Drone Racing: Learning Agile Flight in Dynamic Environments

    Kaufmann, Elia / Loquercio, Antonio / Ranftl, Rene et al. | BASE | 2018

    Free access

    Agile flight on the fly

    Zbikowski, R. | IET Digital Library Archive | 2007


    Agile Methods on Flight Tests

    Pamuk, Berkay | IEEE | 2023


    SLS Flight Software Agile Development Process

    S. Phillips / K. King | NTIS | 2015