Study on flight performance of propeller-driven UAV

Abstract

The engine performance test at altitudes of 0-7000 m was carried out on the high-performance test bench of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) piston engine. The flight performance of UAV was studied, including propeller thrust characteristics, maneuverability, flight envelope, and cruise performance. The results showed that with the increase in altitudes, the UAV climb rate gradually decreased; the maximum climb rate decreased from 2.5 m/s at 2000 m to 0.5 m/s at 7000 m. The maximum flight altitude is 7000 m, and the flight speed range is about 47 m/s-52 m/s at the altitude of 7000 m. Maximum navigation range and endurance of UAV decrease by 5.8% and 8%, respectively, with each increment of 1000 m in altitudes.