Active Multiple Winglets for Improved Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicle Performance

The addition of a winglet to a flight vehicle is known to enhance cruise performance. The addition of multiple, active winglets to an existing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) is studied to determine the potential of these devices to augment both cruise and maneuvering performance. Passive and active multiple winglets are shown to increase range and endurance, providing the potential for increased payload. Active multiple winglets are shown to be a viable replacement for ailerons and to provide gust alleviation for improved handling qualities and sensor performance. Two methods of predicting winglet performance enhancements are applied and compared to the U.S. Marine Corps Dragon Eye UAV configuration. Nomenclature az = normal acceleration C = specific fuel consumption CDi = induced drag coefficient CL = lift coefficient D = drag E = endurance e = efficiency factor g = gust K = induced drag constant K1, K2 = proportionality constant L = lift R = range S = wing area W = weight � = propeller efficiency