Design of Fixed Wing UAV Course

Course Introduction

• Instructor: Suban Sadara
• Teaching Assistants (TAs): Mr. Deep Parik and Mr. Salahudin Kazi
• Registration count: ~2500 students
• Course content will be designed to be accessible for newcomers to aerospace engineering.

Course Topics Overview

Introduction

• Introduction to UAVs and their classification
• Anatomy of aircraft
• Basic aerodynamics
• Aerodynamic characteristics of wing sections and finite wings
• Aerodynamic center and center of pressure
• Lift and drag concepts

Flight Dynamics

• Measurement of velocity during flight
• Understanding standard atmosphere

Performance Characteristics

• Analysis of level flight: thrust and power requirements
• Range and endurance calculations
• Loading (L/D, wing loading, and thrust load)
• Propulsion system selection

Climb Performance

• Rate and angle of climb
• Factors limiting climb performance
• Study of both static and accelerated rate of climb

Stability and Control

• Analytical estimation of stability and control derivatives
• Designing for inherent stability
• Static stability (equilibrium and static stability conditions)
• Longitudinal and lateral static stability
• CG location and its constraints

Control Surface Sizing

• Sizing of control surfaces (elevators, vertical tails)
• Role of CG location and distance between aerodynamic centers

Simulation

• Importance of simulation before fabrication
• Derivation of rigid body equations of motion
• Modeling aerodynamic forces and moments
• Numerical simulation and integration

Design Methodology

• Case studies for UAV design
• Potential inclusion of optimization
• Exposure to UAV laboratory and potential flight tests

UAV vs. Drone

• Drone: Limited onboard intelligence, pre-programmed missions, no real-time data link
• UAV: Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, capable of real-time communication and dynamic missions

Classification of UAVs

Based on Operation

• Fixed Wing, Rotary Wing, Flapping Wing, and Hybrid UAVs

Based on Size and Weight

1. Micro UAVs: < 10 cm
2. Very Small UAVs: 30-50 cm
3. Small UAVs: 0.5-2 m
4. Medium UAVs: 5-10 m
5. Large UAVs: 20-50 m

Based on Mode of Operation

• Tactical and Combat UAVs
• Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UAVs
• High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) UAVs

Field Demonstration

• Location: Flight laboratory of IUR
• UAV model: Fixed Wing UAV, 1.5 m class
• Specs: Total takeoff weight - 1.6 kg, Endurance - 2 hours
• Chief Test Pilot: Mr. Navino
• Flight conditions: Windy, demonstrating gliding capability