Development of a blended wing configuration MAV

Micro Air vehicles "MAV" belong to a class of aircraft currently designated with a maximum size of 300mm and are capable of operating at speeds of not less than 12 m/s. MAVs are expected to find applications in battlefield reconnaissance, visual surveillance, border patrol, etc. MAVs are typically characterized by a low aspect ratio wing operating at low Reynolds numbers (104~105). A camber plate MAV of 300mm wing span generates Cl of 0.7-0.8, comparatively Blended Wing MAV generates Cl of 1-1.3 this motivates the work to be carried out. This work contains the aerodynamic design, planform optimization, airframe modeling, production and development of a BLENDED WING MAV. Numbers of airfoils are analyzed using XFLR5 code and Martin Heppler-45 (MH-45) airfoil is selected due to its reflex at the trailing edge, very less camber of 1.17%, hence greater stability and also matches the requirements of the MAV. 2D CFD analysis is done using NAL RANS 3D code to validate the XFLR5 results of MH 45. Winglets were designed empirically using vertical tail volume coefficient (CVT). Polymer and Composite materials like- Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Kevlar & Rohacell, are used for fabrication of airframe and skin structure. An advanced technique like Rapid prototyping is used to produce the airframe and composite sandwich method is used for the skin material. Flight tests have been carried successfully and results are also discussed in this paper.