Parametric Investigation of Wing Geometric Characteristics for Enhancing UAV Endurance

Abstract Improving endurance in airplane design is important for specific types such as in medium altitude long endurance (MALE) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). Achieving this objective requires obtaining the best wing geometric characteristics that maximize the relevant aerodynamic parameters without compromising the overall performance. In this study, a parametric investigation is performed using the USAF DATCOM mid-fidelity aerodynamic tool to examine the effect of varying taper ratio, aspect ratio, and sweep angle on a baseline wing configuration of a case study MALE UAV. The analysis begins with evaluating the aerodynamic characteristics of the selected wing, followed by a systematic variation of the geometric parameters, while maintaining the original airfoil and wing area. First, thirty different wing configurations are generated by varying the taper and aspect ratios, from which the most aerodynamically efficient configuration is selected for further evaluation by varying the sweep angle. The results indicate that increasing aspect ratio has the most significant effect on improving endurance, followed by taper ratio, whereas increasing sweep angle reduces endurance.