Enhancing UAV Design and Evaluation: A Comprehensive Performance and Flight Dynamics Analysis Tool

This work aims to improve an already existing flight dynamics tool for conducting dynamic analysis of a Tri Rotor VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) – The Titan Hornet. A Tri Rotor VTOL UAV has distinct challenges in terms of propulsion and aerodynamics, setting it apart from traditional fixed-wing UAVs. The research seeks to enhance the tool's functionalities, allowing it to precisely record the intricate interactions that impact flight dynamics, specifically during hover and forward flight phases and present its findings and data in a user-friendly Graphical User Interface (GUI). To establish a reliable basis for these improvements, the precision of the modelling methodology will need to be verified initially. This approach rigorously analyzes the propulsion system and aerodynamics of the UAV. The development of new modules utilizing MATLAB/SIMULINK is guided by insights from past investigations and scholarly literature. These modules are specifically designed to accurately simulate the Hornet's propulsion and aerodynamics. An aerodynamics analysis is performed using FlightStream to derive crucial control and stability derivatives for the aerodynamics module. By conducting comprehensive analyses and time-sensitive simulations during different stages of flight, the modules' efficacy is ensured, resulting in accurate and dynamic representations of the UAV. The preliminary findings are encouraging, showcasing the tool's capacity to distinguish the complex interaction between design elements and environmental aspects of the UAV. This study not only enhances the technical comprehension of Tri Rotor VTOL UAVs but also establishes a solid groundwork for future progress in UAV design and analysis. The study's findings have possible implications in the design and optimization of UAVs, hence facilitating the development of more efficient and effective unmanned aircraft in diverse environments.