Moreno Vera, Juan Antonio (Group of Robotics, Vision and Control at the University of Sevil), Ruiz Paez, Cristina (Group of Robotics Vision and Control), Satué Crespo, Álvaro (Group of Robotics Vision and Control), Acosta, Jose Angel (Universidad de Sevilla), Ollero, Anibal (Universidad de Sevilla)

Design, Development and Testing of a Hybrid Fixed-Flapping Wing UAV

Scheduled for presentation during the Regular Session "Biologically Inspired UAS" (WeB2), Wednesday, June 22, 2022, 17:10−17:30, Bokar

2022 International Conference on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ICUAS), June 21-24, 2022, Dubrovnik, Croatia

This information is tentative and subject to change. Compiled on May 9, 2025

Abstract

In this work we present a novel Hybrid Fixed-Flapping Wing UAV. It consists of an ornithopter equipped with an additional propeller that allows it to fly in fixed and flapping wing modes separately. The UAV has been designed to have adequate performance on the envelope zone of each mode. The paper includes the analysis of the flight envelope and the computation of the optimum switching zone. The result is an unique 800g UAV with an extended operational range. Combined performances are, higher velocity and lower maneuverability in fixed-wing mode and efficient flight at low velocity offering good maneuverability in flapping-wing mode. Additionally, a novel active roll wing deformation system and a removable bumper-skid protection module have been designed and implemented. An experimental demonstration of the visual system, as a preliminary test for the application to high voltage power lines inspection is presented. Indoor flights for a preliminary power consumption evaluation and outdoor flights to demonstrate the efficient in-flight switching capability.