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Effect of autopilot modes on flight performances of electric mini-UAVs

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 January 2016

G. Guglieri
G. Guglieri*
Affiliation:
Politecnico di Torino, Dipartimento di Ingegneria Meccanica e Aerospaziale, Italy
*
giorgio.guglieri@polito.it
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Abstract

Great attention is focused on the development of both remotely controlled and unmanned flying vehicles. As a matter of fact, the design of such vehicles is a topical direction of development for modern aeronautics. Among such promising flying vehicles, micro- and mini-UAVs play a leading role. The present paper proposes a method to validate the inclusion of the relevant modelling elements in a comprehensive simulation tool reproducing some of the flight phases of a mini-UAV. The energy balance budget and the dynamic response of the aircraft during the automatic flight are investigated, assessing the impact of autopilot configuration, such as altitude-airspeed holding modes and suggesting a setting guideline for flight mode selection compatible with the features of commercial autopilots.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 117 , Issue 1187 , January 2013 , pp. 57 - 69
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2013 

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