Aerodynamic and structural design for the development of a MALE UAV
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 6 November 2018
Issue publication date: 13 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present the preliminary design of a medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), focusing on the interaction between the aerodynamic and the structural design studies.
Design/methodology/approach
The classic layout theory was used, adjusted for the needs of unmanned aircraft, including aerodynamic calculations, presizing methods and CFD, to estimate key aerodynamic and stability coefficients. Considering the structural aspects, a combination of layout, finite element methods and custom parameterized design tools were used, allowing automatic reshapes of the skin and the internal structural parts, which are mainly made of composite materials. Interaction loops were defined between the aforementioned studies to optimize the performance of the aerial vehicle, maximize the aerodynamic efficiency and reduce the structural weight.
Findings
The complete design procedure of a UAV is shown, starting from the final stages of conceptual design, up to the point where the detail design and mechanical drawings initiated.
Practical implications
This paper presents a complete view of a design study of a MALE UAV, which was successfully constructed and flight-tested.
Originality/value
This study presents a complete, synergetic approach between the configuration layout, aerodynamic and structural aspects of a MALE UAV.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
The work presented in this paper is a part of the 11SYNERGASIA_6_629 “Hellenic Civil Unmanned Air Vehicle – HCUAV” research project, implemented within the framework of the National Strategic Reference Framework and through the Operation Program “Competitiveness & Entrepreneurship – SYNERGASIA 2011”. The research project is co-financed by National and Community Funds, 25 per cent from the Greek Ministry of Education and Religious Affairs – General Secretariat of Research and Technology and 75 per cent from E.U. – European Social Fund.
Citation
Panagiotou, P., Giannakis, E., Savaidis, G. and Yakinthos, K. (2019), "Aerodynamic and structural design for the development of a MALE UAV", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 90 No. 7, pp. 1077-1087. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-01-2017-0031
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited