Conceptual design and control of twin-propeller tail-sitter mini-UAV: Conceptual study of V-TS mini-UAV

Abstract

This paper describes progress made on the design and analysis of a twin-propeller tail-sitter mini-UAV (named V-TS). Since the V-TS mini-UAV is a combination of airplanes and copters, high energy efficiency during the forward flight and VTOL capability in the hover flight are achieved. However, this configuration also brings new challenges and difficulties, especially in the case of control. Free software which was used in the design process is presented and described. AVIGLE Demonstrator is analyzed in SU2 to verify correct settings of the aerodynamic analysis. Furthermore, 3D model of the V-TS mini-UAV with the Y-tail configuration and its basic geometrical parameters are shown. The results prove that it is aerodynamically efficient for our purpose. In addition, probably all control modes, transitional flight phases, and difficulties which appear in the control of the twin-propeller tail-sitter mini-UAV are defined and solutions are proposed. The transitional flight phases are determined as a combination of the control modes and sub-modes. © 2019, Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.