Investigation of wind effect on different quadrotors

Abstract

Purpose

Although windy weather conditions have a significant effect on the flight safety and stability of any aircraft, the fact that quadrotors are lighter than other aircraft makes them more sensitive to the wind. This study aims to examine the extent to which quadrotors and their sensors, which are used in many fields and whose use is expected to increase significantly in the future, are affected by wind.

Design/methodology/approach

Flight experiments were carried out on different routes assigned by using Pixhawk Holybro 4 and Radiolink flight controllers. In these flight experiments, quadrotors were exposed to winds at different speeds and directions.

Findings

In the flight experiments, the deviation amounts in the quadrotor’s route at which wind speed was determined, and it was seen that these deviations were very serious and affected the safe flight at high wind speeds. According to the sensor information obtained from both different quadrotors’ flight experiments at different wind speeds, it was determined that the wind decreased the sensors’ accuracy.

Practical implications

It is foreseen that the data obtained in this study will be a source to be used in the design of quadrotors to be used in public areas in the future and to take the wind into account for safe flight.

Originality/value

In this study, numerous flight tests were carried out experimentally at various speeds from low speeds to high speeds on different routes using different flight controllers. The deviation data on the obtained routes and the effect of the wind on the sensors are experienced in real atmospheric conditions.

Citation

Ercan, H., Ulucan, H. and Can, M.S. (2022), "Investigation of wind effect on different quadrotors", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 94 No. 8, pp. 1275-1288. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-09-2021-0288