EXPERIMENTAL STUDY OF BLENDED WING BODY UAS WITH VTOL CONFIGURATION
Date
2023-03
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
IOE Pulchowk Campus
Abstract
The present study looked into the aerodynamic properties of blended-wing-body
(BWB) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAS) with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities
(VTOL). The UAS's innovative design allows for VTOL and hovering capabilities
similar to multi-copter drones, as well as cruise flying efficiency comparable to fixedwing aircraft in an effective and dependable manner. The creation of lift by the
complete airframe and the decrease of drag in the wing body attachment are benefits
of the BWB concept. Based on the calculated wing parameters, a baseline design was
developed in XFLR5 and few parameters like sweep, dihedral and twist were varied
continuously to obtain the most efficient design. The maximum L/D ratio obtained was
17 and calculated stall velocity was 12 m/s. The final design was then developed in
CATIA and plane maker, and flight test was performed in X-Plane 11. By constructing
parts out of Styrofoam and aluminum rod, a model was created. Four motors were used
for vertical take-off and an electronic ducted fan was used for forward thrust. Pixhawk
4 was used as flight controller. The flight test was performed in three different modes:
pure fixed wing, pure quad and hybrid VTOL mode. Initially, the fixed wing and quad
mode test were performed individually. Then quad mode was enabled in the fixed wing
configuration and transition from VTOL to fixed wing was performed. This report can
serve as a comprehensive resource for learning about aerodynamic phenomena,
fundamental design concepts, and fabrication techniques.
Description
Blended Wing Body is an unconventional aircraft concept which was first proposed
on older flying wing designs for significant improvements in future air transportation.
The BWB is a tailless configuration that combines the wing and fuselage into one unit
Keywords
BWB, VTOL