Development of a micro air vehicle

The aerodynamic characteristics of five planar flying wing planforms suitable for micro air vehicles (MAVs) are investigated via a series of wind-tunnel tests. The external boundary of the five planforms result from slender carbon fibre (CF) struts under various degrees of buckling. The maximum lift/drag ratios were similar for all the (quite different) shapes but the stall characteristics were found to be markedly different. Results are presented of cross-plane traverses detailing the wake vector field and turbulence characteristics for two of the planforms at conditions close to stall. A MAV, based on mylar-covered buckled CF struts, is described. The MAV utilises elevon control based on modified commercially available micro radio control systems.