Design and Fabrication of a Scaled-Down Unmanned Quad-Tilt-Prop Personal Air Vehicle

Abstract

AbstractThis paper describes the design, fabrication, and test of a scaled-down unmanned personal air vehicle (PAV) with dual mode drive and flight capabilities. Considerations of the operational requirements of such a vehicle led to the concept of a quad-tilt-prop platform that has nacelle tilt capability with a multiple rotor configuration. Motors for both propeller propulsion and the driving mechanism were integrated into a single nacelle, and they were then implemented with a nacelle tilt mechanism for conversion between the drive and flight modes. The primary design parameters were examined through the conceptual design process, as follows: (1) overall dimensions, (2) empty weight, (3) propeller diameter, and (4) propulsion motor were determined based on design requirements. Functional tests were then performed, with test platforms designated for each development step. Comprehensive drive and flight tests demonstrated the operational capabilities of the finalized prototype. The fabricated vehicle has...