Preliminary design of a box-wing VTOL UAV

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to present a preliminary study on a disruptive vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) configuration based on the best wing system concept by L. Prandtl.

Design/methodology/approach

A preliminary design has been addressed from several points of views: a conceptual design has been carried out thanks to in-house optimization tool; aerodynamic performances, propulsion design and mechanical design have been addressed to make the first prototype for preliminary vertical flight tests.

Findings

The study shows the feasibility of box-wing configuration for VTOL aircraft.

Practical implications

The work shows a general design procedure for box-wing unmanned air vehicle (UAV) configuration. The study of this configuration can be easily adopted in wider range, from UAV to general aviation. In the last category, it can be a promising configuration for the future of urban air mobility.

Originality/value

This work lays the foundation for studying and testing box-wing configuration for unmanned VTOL aircraft. The design procedure can be scaled to manned aircraft belonging to general aviation aircraft.

Citation

Palaia, G., Cipolla, V., Binante, V. and Rizzo, E. (2020), "Preliminary design of a box-wing VTOL UAV", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 92 No. 5, pp. 737-743. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-06-2019-0121