Geometry Based Flight Dynamics Modelling of Unmanned Airplanes

Abstract

This paper presents estimation algorithms for flight dynamics of small unmanned aircraft. The estimates are mainly based on geometric information. Optional information taken into account are airfoil polars, a few mass characteristics and static thrust measurements. The aerodynamics dataset is estimated using the Vortex Lattice Method. Weight-and-balance estimates are driven by assuming constant mass per surface. Propulsion is estimated based on typical characteristics. The model is compared to higher-fidelity models, namely wind-tunnel measurements and inertia measurements. The differences to the reference are typically below 20% of the aerodynamic coefficients and below 10% of the reference inertia