Lateral-Directional Aerodynamic Optimization of a Tandem Wing UAV Using CFD Analyses

This paper presents the second stage of a tandem fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) aerodynamic development. In the initial stage, the UAV was optimized by analyzing its characteristics only in symmetrical flight conditions. Posted requirements were that both wings should produce relevant positive lift, the initial stall must occur on the front wing first, the center of pressure should be close to the center of gravity, and longitudinal static stability should be in the optimum range. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) analyses were performed, where the applied calculation model was derived from the authors’ previous successful projects. The eighth version TW V8 has satisfied all longitudinal requirements. Lateral-directional CFD analyses of V8 showed that the ratio of the lateral and directional stability at the nominal cruising regime was optimal, but both lateral and directional static stabilities were too high. On further development versions, the lower vertical tail was eliminated, a negative dihedral was implemented on the front wing, and four inverted blended winglets were added. Version TW V14 has largely improved lateral and directional stability characteristics, while their optimum ratio at the cruising regime was preserved. Longitudinal characteristics were also well preserved. Maximum lift coefficient and lift-to-drag ratio were increased, compared to the V8.