Aerodynamic Analysis and Wind Tunnel Testing of a MALE UAV

Abstract This study investigates the aerodynamic characteristics of a Medium-Altitude, Long-Endurance (MALE) UAV by employing analytical/semi-empirical, numerical, and empirical methods, with experimental validation through wind tunnel testing. The goal is to assess the accuracy and limitations of these in the aerodynamic analysis of similar UAV configurations. First, and due to the absence of critical geometric data. a 3D laser scanning technique is used to identify the complete geometric model of the studied UAV. Then, the developed geometric model together with the flight conditions are used to perform the aerodynamic analysis using a custom-developed analytical/semi-empirical tool (AeroMech), the empirical DATCOM tool, and the numerical panel method implemented in XFLR5. To validate the results, a scaled model is designed and manufactured based on the identified geometry for wind tunnel testing. The experimental aerodynamic data are analyzed and compared with the data obtained from the diverse methods.