Work

Evaluation of Light Electric Flying-Wing Unmanned Aerial System Energy Consumption During Holding Maneuver

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study evaluates the energy consumption of a light electric flying-wing unmanned aerial system (UAS) during low-altitude holding maneuvers. Two flight patterns were investigated: circular holding at a specified altitude and a figure-eight trajectory. Test flights were conducted under varying meteorological and wind conditions, including scenarios where wind aligned and crossed the flight path. Key flight parameters such as pitch, yaw, heading deviation, flight altitude, ground speed, and airspeed were monitored. Concurrently, current and battery voltage were measured to compute the instantaneous power consumption of the propulsion system. This approach allowed for the determination and comparison of energy consumption across the two holding patterns. The outcomes contribute to a better understanding of power efficiency during prolonged flight maneuvers, supporting advancements in autonomous low-altitude UAS operations.

Source: Energies

DOI: 10.3390/en18051300

Authors: Artur Kierzkowski, Bartłomiej Dziewoński, Krzysztof Kaliszuk, Mateusz Kucharski

Institution: Wrocław University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Aerospace and Aviation Technology

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137