Shipeng Yang

High-speed capability is a defining feature of next-generation helicopters, enabling time-sensitive missions. This paper compares three high-speed configurations: tiltrotor, coaxial rigid rotor, and compound conventional rotor. Based on existing technology and operational needs, the study focuses on the aerodynamic layout of a compound conventional rotor high-speed unmanned helicopter. With key parameters, including a 300 kg takeoff weight and a maximum speed of 240 km/h, iterative optimization was conducted using theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and flight dynamics evaluation. A feasible aerodynamic layout based on a “dual-side propulsion concept” was developed, followed by flight performance assessment and full-scale prototype flight tests. The results show: (1) the final layout comprises a two-blade hingeless rotor, three-blade pusher propellers, wings, skid landing gear, an H-tail, and a horizontal stabilizer; (2) flight performance meets all design targets, achieving maximum and cruise speeds of 260.48 km/h and 180 km/h at 1500 m altitude; and (3) full-scale prototype tests confirm the rationality of the aerodynamic layout and the reliability of the design process, achieving a high-speed flight of 242.6 km/h at an altitude of 1280 m. This work provides a valuable configuration reference for high-speed unmanned helicopter development.

The electric vertical take-off and landing fixed-wing (FW-VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) combines the advantages of fixed-wing aircraft and multi-rotor aircraft. Based on the cell discharge characteristics and the power system features, this paper proposes a preliminary design and optimization method suitable for electric FW-VTOL UAVs. The purpose of this method is to improve the design accuracy of electric propulsion systems and overall parameters when dealing with the special power and energy requirements of this type of aircraft. The core of this method involves testing the performance data of the cell inside the battery pack, using small-capacity cells as the basic unit for battery sizing, thereby constructing a power battery performance model. Additionally, it establishes optimization design models for propellers and rotors and develops a brushless DC motor performance model based on a first-order motor model and statistical data, ultimately achieving optimized matching of the propulsion system and completing the preliminary design of the entire aircraft. Using a battery discharge model established based on real cell parameters and test data, the impact of the discharge process on battery performance is evaluated at the cell level, reducing the subjectivity of battery performance evaluation compared to the constant power/energy density method used in traditional battery sizing processes. Furthermore, matching the optimization design of power and propulsion systems effectively improves the accuracy of the preliminary design for FW-VTOL UAVs. A design case of a 30 kg electric FW-VTOL UAV is conducted, along with the completion of flight tests. The design parameters obtained using the proposed method show minimal discrepancies with the actual data from the actual aircraft, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed method.