FLIGHT TESTING OF BASELINE MODEL OF VERTICAL TAKE-OFF AND LANDING (VTOL) UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)

Abstract

Advanced unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have become increasingly popular as low-risk platforms for new technology demonstration and research purposes. This paper presents the conceptual design and flight testing of an electric-powered experimental flying wing UAV, known as PLANK-V. The UAV is a modular type that shares the same wing as the conventional flying wing. Flight tests were conducted to evaluate the UAV’s performance and initial control parameter tuning. Due to the experimental nature and avionics complexity of such systems, the flight tests require the support of an experienced pilot and ground operation crew, who monitor and assess the behaviour and performance of the aircraft and its subsystems. Safety aspects are critical in any flight, especially in the initial flight test phase. Before performing any flight tests of either manned or unmanned aircrafts, a comprehensive and well-trained test pilot should use a pre-flight checklist as a required safety document in the flight test plan. This paper aims to present the preliminary flight test result on the PLANK-V, which uses a H-configuration vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) arm for the vertical lifting propulsion system. The preliminary design was addressed from several points of view: a conceptual design was carried out, which emphasises the ease of manufacturing; aerodynamic performances improvement for subsequent iterations; while propulsion system design for vertical and horizontal flight, and mechanical design was addressed in order to produce the prototype. From the maiden-flight test campaign of the PLANK-V, the flight test procedures and experience gained during the flight tests were gathered, and recommendations were put forward. The flight data analysis and feedback from the pilot were also valuable tools for future improvements.
Keywords: Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV); vertical take-off and landing (VTOL); flight test; experimental design; quadplane.

Description