Multi-objective and stochastical flight performance enhancement of double-dihedral morphing UAV

This research aims to increase the endurance of the electric motor-powered double dihedral unmanned aerial vehicle (i.e., DDUAV) and improve the performance of the autonomous flight system based on dihedral angles. It is known that changes in the dihedral angles, which are the wing positions directly affecting aerodynamic forces, as well as changes in battery weight, affect the flight endurance of the aircraft. In this case, the flight endurance performance of the aircraft was maximized modifying these parameters. The numerical results obtained were improved using the simultaneous perturbation stochastical approximation (i.e., SPSA) optimization method, and optimal values were obtained. Changes made to the PID coefficients for the longitudinal and lateral control systems, battery weight, and double dihedral angle, along with the results obtained, were evaluated by SPSA to achieve optimal results. The SPSA method was used to investigate the change in endurance and autonomous flight control performance of the DDUAV with the variation of double dihedral angles and battery mass. The revised application of the optimum design parameters and control coefficients obtained from the SPSA demonstrates a remarkable improvement in the total cost of the double dihedral UAV by 53.25%, in autonomous flight cost by 40.23%, and in endurance by 196.49%.