A Tri-Ducted Fan Tilting VTOL UAV: Conceptual Design and Aerodynamic Analysis

Tilt rotor unmanned aerial vehicles (TRUAVs) are a novel technology that is gaining popularity in the modern world for a variety of applications, including surveillance, target tracking, search and rescue operations, and civil engineering. The overall dimensions, estimated weight, performance, power needs, and UAV endurance of the aircraft were all computed and assessed based on the conceptual design. An appropriate propulsion system was chosen using these computed parameters. The UAV was given a 3D CAD model. It is designed in a way that it can land on water. The selection of the airfoil for this UAV is one of the most difficult parts which requires many numerical calculations such as trial and error, wing analysis at various angles of attack, and lift estimation and finally configured with NACA6420. In this paper, we discussed the aerodynamic analysis of the UAV under various conditions and obtained the results in reference to various aerodynamic parameters, velocity, and pressure calculations attained. We assessed the obtained results with the ideal conceptual results and reperformed the analysis and optimized the results. The whole data along with graphs are presented in this paper. The contour plots were shown to analyze the pressure distribution among the UAV, and also, the velocity streamlines are also presented to observe the airflow around the UAV. To conclude, this report discusses the potential applications of this particular hybrid UAV and wholesomely presents the conceptual approach, design, and simulation of a tri-ducted tilting rotor UAV.