Aerodynamic Characterization of an Off-the-Shelf Aircraft via Flight Test and Numerical Simulation

Abstract : Characterization of an off-the-shelf small tailless aircraft with a wing span of 1:3m is presented. Mentioned aircraft is being used in several scientific measurement projects by authors, whereas the ight performance and quality such as endurance, and stability plays an important role on the measurement quality. Hence the main objective is to use the extracted and fine tuned aerodynamic and ight performance characteristics of the aircraft for a better flight control and mission planning during simulations and real flights. Aerodynamic characteristics are obtained through flight tests, numerical analyses, and some isolated ground experiments for the propulsion system. The comparison of different measurement and estimation techniques are discussed.