Aerodynamic Study of Canard Parameter Configuration Principle for UAV

Abstract

This paper analyses the multi-objective design requirements of UAV with high timeliness, high manoeuvrability and long-endurance long-range flight capability. Then put forward an aerodynamic configuration conception of wide flight envelope that can perform multi-tasks, such as fast approach, long endurance patrol and critical maneuvering. By means of wind tunnel test, the aerodynamic characteristics regularities of this configuration changed by shape parameters, component combination and spatial relationships are studied. Base on analysing the flow coupling efficiency of canard vortex and wing vortex, proposed the principle of relative position matching between canard and wing. The results show that when the canard was higher than the wing, the canard vortex provided additional vortex lift on the upper surface of the wing, which could provide a favorable influence in the cruise phase. Further more, using the trapped vortex of variable curvature lip on nose which was similar to the influence mechanism of canard vortex, a stable favorable interference vortex system in a wide envelope could be obtained, and the components and controlling complexity of this aircraft configuration would be simplified.