Combined autopilot, powerplant and vertical tail redesign for best performance of TUAV

Purpose This article aims to enhance the performance of a piston-prop tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV) by simultaneously and stochastically redesigning its autopilot, powerplant and vertical tail. The performance includes both autonomous flight performance (AFP) and general flight performance (GFP). GFP captures maximum range, maximum endurance and ceiling altitude. Design/methodology/approach A TUAV is manufactured in our Erciyes University Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Laboratory (ERU UAVL). Its autopilot’s PID controllers’ gains, powerplant and vertical tail can be varied before starting flight. Autopilot, powerplant and vertical tail parameters are simultaneously and stochastically redesigned to achieve optimal performance using a stochastic optimization methodology. The results obtained are used during the simulations of autonomous TUAV flight. Findings The use of simultaneous and stochastic redesign for a piston-prop TUAV having a changing powerplant system, vertical tail and autopilot causes enhancement of both AFP and GFP. Research limitations/implications Approval of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Republic of Türkiye is vital for carrying out UAV flight tests. Originality/value Generating an innovative solution to enhance both AFP and GFP of a piston-prop TUAV and also composing an innovative algorithm for the use of simultaneous and stochastic TUAV’s powerplant system, vertical tail and autopilot redesign.