Simultaneous small UAV and autopilot system design
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to increase flight performance of small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design.
Design/methodology/approach
A small UAV is manufactured in Erciyes University, College of Aviation, Model Aircraft Laboratory. Its wing and tail is able to move forward and backward in the nose-to-tail direction in prescribed interval. Autopilot parameters and assembly position of wing and tail to fuselage are simultaneously designed to maximize flight performance using a stochastic optimization method. Results are obtained are used for simulations.
Findings
Using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design idea, flight performance is maximized.
Research limitations/implications
Permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is required for testing UAVs in long range.
Practical implications
Simultaneous design idea is very beneficial for improving UAV flight performance.
Originality/value
Creating a novel method to improve flight performance of UAV and developing an algorithm performing simultaneous design idea.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Research Fund of the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBİTAK) under Project Number 114M856.
The authors would like to thank Mr Orhan Kizilkaya and Mr Hasan Murat Sert for their technical supports during this study and also would like to thank Prof. Dr Mustafa Kemal Apalak for serving opportunities of Erciyes University, College of Aviation.
Citation
Oktay, T., Konar, M., Onay, M., Aydin, M. and Mohamed, M.A. (2016), "Simultaneous small UAV and autopilot system design", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 6, pp. 818-834. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-04-2015-0097
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:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
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