Enhancing Aerial Surveillance: Designing a 3D Printed Lightweight VTOL Drone

This report outlines the design and development of a 3D-printed lightweight VTOL drone aimed at enhancing aerial surveillance capabilities. The project initiates with a Work principle and background on VTOL UAVs, including. The NACA 4412 airfoil was chosen for its optimal balance between lift and drag, supported by Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations that validate its moderate drag and manageable moment characteristics. Detailed calculations found the wing geometry, resulting in a high wing configuration with a tapered wing for structural efficiency and improved aerodynamic performance. Moreover, The UAV’s airframe was designed using additive manufacturing (3D printing) with filaments such as LW-PLA-HT and PLA+, reinforced with carbon fiber tubes, to ensure it is lightweight, strong, and heat-resistant. Furthermore. This project demonstrates significant advancements in VTOL UAV design, providing a solid foundation for future developments by integrating modern technologies and innovative design practices.