Maximum lift/drag ratio improvement of TUAVs via small aerodynamic modifications
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 11 October 2018
Issue publication date: 22 November 2018
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to increase maximum lift/drag ratio (Emax) of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (TUAVs) via applying novel small aerodynamic modifications.
Design methodology/approach
A TUAV is manufactured in Erciyes University, Faculty of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Model Aircraft Laboratory. It has both passive and active morphing capabilities. Its nosecone and tailcone shapes are redesigned to improve Emax. Moreover, active flow control is also built on its wing for improving Emax.
Findings
Using these novel small aerodynamic modifications, considerable improvement on Emax is obtained.
Research limitations/implications
Permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is required for testing TUAVs in real-time applications.
Practical implications
Small aerodynamic modifications such as nosecone-tailcone shape modifications and building active flow control on wing are very beneficial for improving Emax of TUAVs.
Social implications
Small aerodynamic modifications satisfy confidence, high performance and easy utility demands of TUAV users.
Originality/value
The study will enable the creation of novel approaches to improve Emax value and therefore aerodynamic performance of TUAVs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Research Fund of The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK) under Project Number: 115M603.
Citation
Oktay, T., Uzun, M. and Kanat, O.O. (2018), "Maximum lift/drag ratio improvement of TUAVs via small aerodynamic modifications", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 90 No. 9, pp. 1438-1444. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-07-2017-0175
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited