Analysis and optimisation of a MALE UAV loaded structure

Abstract

Purpose

To provide an effective design methodology focused on loading structure of unmanned aerial vehicles with a special emphasis on MALE class platform.

Design/methodology/approach

Selected design methods and numerical calculations used during the development of two different class (MALE PW‐103 and HALE PW‐114) unmanned aerial vehicles have been described and discussed. The initial loading structure was set‐up coming from a steady state level flight condition.

Findings

Aeroelastic analysis showed that the wing torsional rigidity is not sufficient. To increase the critical flutter speed the wing sandwich skin has been reinforced adding extra layers of carbon fibres. This procedure is iterative by nature, because adding the new layers changes the weight and stiffness of aircraft and the critical flutter speed has to be computed again.

Research limitations/implications

Analysis and design methodology is limited to surveillance and monitoring platforms, where the design objectives are long endurance, high reliability and cost effectiveness of the platform.

Practical implications

A very useful source of design information and patterns to follow, especially for engineering students and engineers dealing with unmanned aviation.

Originality/value

This paper offers practical help for designers planning an unmanned platform to be well adjusted to the assumed mission, giving a lot of practical information about attachments and fittings, on‐board systems integrated with loading structure and integration of composites with metal parts in modern flying platforms.

Citation

Gadomski, J., Hernik, B. and Goraj, Z. (2006), "Analysis and optimisation of a MALE UAV loaded structure", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 2, pp. 120-131. https://doi.org/10.1108/17488840610653423