Investigation of the Flight Control Requirements of a Half-Scale Ducted Fan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
Abstract
The goal of this investigation was to study the requirements to fly a previously constructed half-scale ducted fan Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) in horizontal and vertical flight as a proof of concept for a full-scale UAV of similar design. The following items were investigated: (1) methods to increase thrust from the ducted fan propulsion system; (2) the determination of the effectiveness and necessary coupling of the four control vanes in controlling the vehicle in vertical flight (pitch, roll, yaw) and in countering the engine torque; and (3) the design, construction, and effectiveness of stator vanes. The following items were accomplished: (1) thrust was improved over the original vehicle through the design and construction of an effective bellmouth and nine- bladed fan; (2) control-vane effectiveness was determined, and stator vanes were designed and installed; (3) gyro stabilization was incorporated into the roll axis controls and the ducted fan flew in a controlled, tethered hover; and (4) gyroscopic cross-coupling was demonstrated.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 26, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA252730
Entities
People
- Mark A. Brynestad
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School