Study on the optimization of power systems and aerodynamic configuration of vertical takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicles

The study investigates vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), their configuration and powertrain schemes, as well as the efficiency of different types of power systems. A comparative analysis of electric, parallel, and hybrid power systems was performed, and mass characteristics were calculated for missions with a range of 50, 100, and 300 km. It was determined that the hybrid system provides the optimal balance between weight, fuel consumption, and flight duration. The proposed blended-wing-body configuration improves aerodynamic efficiency by 12 % in cruise mode. The use of a hybrid power system allows for a 10–15 % reduction in UAV takeoff weight and an increase in flight duration by up to 25 %. The obtained results can be applied in the design of UAVs intended for monitoring, environmental surveillance, logistics, and rescue missions in challenging conditions.