Fixed-Wing UAV Performance Flight Testing

This work illustrates the realization of an experimental UAV with the aim of carrying out flight tests typical of certified manned aircraft, in view of both educational and research purposes. The final goal is to explore potential applications in the field of qualification and certification of unmanned aerial vehicles. An electric-powered model motorglider with a native on-board sensor suite has been improved with two air data booms for airspeed, angle of attack and angle of sideslip measurement and its control system, based on an commercial open source autopilot has been modified to include specific autonomous flight test modes. Wind-tunnel tests were carried out to characterize the instrumented aircraft and calibrate the new sensors, in addition to preliminary numerical studies. Autonomous flight test modes, reproducing standardized maneuvers typical of certification trials for manned aircraft, were validated and tested in a 4-day flight campaign covering stall tests, climbs, power-off glides and trimmed level conditions. Data post-processing allowed to determine aerodynamic data, stall speed and optimum climb and glide performance.