In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Also, you will use them to estimate the aerodynamic, performance and weight characteristics for designing it to carry out the mission requirements. This is a group project module, which means you will be working with your peers in a team. This module covers conceptual design and some parts of preliminary design processes.

UAV classifications and examples
Design process
Components of UAV
Aerodynamics and stability principles
Performance estimation
Powerplant selection
Payload selection
Weight estimation
Planform geometry selection
Aerofoil and control surfaces selection
Preliminary design of fixed-wing UAV
Cost estimation
Emission estimation
Matlab tutorials

1. A group report on UAV design. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, M7, M16

Group report should include the information related to the elements completed by each member of the group. You must submit an individual peer review form and group report marks will be adjusted upto +/- 20% based on that. Continuous feedback will be provided during weekly tasks.

2. A group presentation covering all the design selections, estimations and justifications. Meeting AHEP 4 Outcomes: M17

Questions will be asked to each student at the end of their presentation to ensure that everyone is aware of the entire work.

This module will enable you to gain understanding, apply knowledge analyse and evaluate problems and create solutions through a variety of activities, including:

Taught Lectures – covers a range of elements, i.e. from basic principles to tasks required to be completed for the same week

Tutorials – to complete weekly design tasks, corresponding research, Matlab coding and modelling the UAV

Independent study

1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the UAV design process and how it applies to the modern aviation industry (AHEP4: M1, M2)

Knowledge & Understanding

2. Collaboratively develop an original UAV design, addressing significant design challenges in the current aviation industry (AHEP4: M3, M4, M5, M16)

Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Integrate your aircraft performance and propulsion knowledge to estimate the cost and environmental implications of the UAV design and critically evaluate the trade-offs (AHEP4: M7)

Application & Problem-Solving

4. Effectively communicate technical and non-technical elements of the proposed design of the fixed wing UAV to a diverse audience. (AHEP4: M17)

Communication

Matlab

Autodesk Inventor, Solidworks, etc.

Anderson, J. D., (2010); Aircraft Performance and Design, McGraw-Hill (This is the most recent prominent text in this area)

Pamadi, B. N., (2004); Performance, Stability, Dynamics, and Control of Airplanes, 2nd Ed, AIAA - this book is still relevant as it bridges the gap between theory and design.

Gundlach, J., (2012); Designing Unmanned Aircraft Systems: A Comprehensive Approach, AIAA (This is the most recent prominent text in this area)

Raymer, D. P., (2018); Aircraft Design: A Conceptual Approach (6th Edition), AIAA (This is the most recent prominent text in this area)

Sadraey, M. H., (2017); Unmanned Aircraft Design: A Review of Fundamentals, Morgan and Claypool Pub. (This is the most recent prominent text in this area)

In this module, you will learn the fundamental concepts of the fixed wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Also, you will use them to estimate the aerodynamic, performance and weight characteristics for designing it to carry out the mission requirements. This is a group project module, which means you will be working with your peers in a team. This module covers conceptual design and some parts of preliminary design processes.