Design and analysis of concept unmanned aerial vehicle

This study includes the design, performance analysis, and aerodynamic improvement of a mid-range tactical UAV inspired by flying fish (Exocoetidae). By designing a dihedral wing and a curved wingtip, the static stability of the UAV was increased and vortex concentrations that cause friction were avoided. An aerodynamic body has been designed by using the narrow and long torpedo shape of flying fish. With this design approach, the reference area across the flow has been lowered and wind resistance during flight has been reduced. In this way, maximum efficiency has been achieved in performance, speed, and balance harmony. Basic requirements defined for the UAV are flight altitude over 5000 m, 12 hours endurance in the air, 100 kg payload capacity, and 150 km communication range. Computational fluid dynamics was used to construct flow models at different flow rates and angles of the aircraft and to evaluate aerodynamic coefficients. A normal aerodynamic optimization process involves the relationship between many variables. However, the aerodynamic improvement process performed in this study focused on obtaining maximum static balance at the correct wing angle. The airfoil selected for the specified purpose was kept fixed and the angle of the UAV wing with the horizontal plane was changed and compared. As a result, an unmanned aerial vehicle was designed according to the results obtained from the development process.