Aerodynamic Concept of the UAV in the Gyrodyne Configuration

Abstract

The article presents an aerodynamic concept of UAV in the gyrodyne configuration, as a more efficient one than the currently used UAV airframe configuration applied for monitoring tasks of power lines and railway infrastructure. A sample task which is realised by conceptual gyrodyne based on monitoring aerial power lines was characterised and described. The assumed idea of UAV was shown in comparison to the currently used aircraft configuration presented in the introduction. Referring to momentum theory, hover efficiency of the multicopter and the helicopter was evaluated. In relation to the helicopter, an initial draft of the airframe conception accompanied by a description of advantages of the gyrodyne configuration was exposed. Problems related to the gyrodyne configuration were emphasised in the summary.