High-Fidelity Aeroelastic Tailored Trajectory Optimization for Agile Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Aeroelastic-TTOP)

**Abstract:** This paper introduces Aeroelastic-TTOP, a novel trajectory optimization framework for agile unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) that integrates real-time aeroelastic tailoring with optimal control. Existing trajectory optimization methods often neglect the dynamic coupling between aerodynamic forces and structural deformation, leading to suboptimal performance and potential instability, particularly in aggressive maneuvers. Aeroelastic-TTOP leverages a combined finite element model (FEM) and optimal control solver, dynamically adjusting UAV structural properties within a defined range during trajectory planning to exploit aeroelastic effects for enhanced maneuverability and efficiency. This technique enables UAVs to generate novel control strategies, optimizing flight paths for speed, stability, and energy consumption while simultaneously accounting for structural limitations and deformation. The framework promises a 10x improvement in agility and a 15% reduction in energy consumption for agile UAV applications like search and rescue, precision agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.