Conceptual Design of a Hover-Capable High-Speed Multi-Role MAV

A conceptual design study was performed for a revolutionary micro-aerial vehicle capable of morphing between rotary-wing and fixed-wing flight modes. A nominal mission was defined illustrating the need for both hover and high-speed cruise capability, specifying a range of 1 km and a minimum hover time of 10 min. A design methodology was developed employing both rotary-wing and fixed-wing design tools, including the semiempirical modeling of low Reynolds number aerodynamics. This methodology was used to determine the design space for the vehicle, focusing on high efficiency, as well as stability and control aspects in both rotarywing and fixed-wing flight modes. The final design has an estimated total weight of 86 g, a wingspan of 15 in, a cruise speed of 16 m/s and a hover Figure of Merit of 0.62.