Innovative Morphing UAV Design and Manufacture

Abstract

In this study, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with passive pre-flight and active in-flight morphing capability was designed and manufactured. First of all, conceptual design work was done. Wing and tail, which are the main carriers, were selected to ensure maximum liftt, minimum drag and stability of the UAV. Liquid fuel engines were preferred due to their high power and airtime. The engine, which enables the controlled and uncontrolled flight of the UAV, has been run-in to make it safer and more efficient before being used in real-time flights. Profiles were selected by analyzing the tail set consisting of the rudder and the elevator. The nose cone of the unmanned aerial vehicle was produced by improving the aerodynamic performance. In the aircraft geometry, the passive morphing mechanism, which is performed once before the flight, and the active morphing mechanism, which is performed continuously during the flight, are manufactured using servo motors. This improved the flight performance and made it possible to fly in some unfavorable conditions. The most basic superior feature of the manufactured UAV from the existing UAVs is its ability to morphing.