Design, modelling and simulation of maritime UAV-VTOL flight dynamics

Abstract

An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) is referred to as a remotely piloted aircraft or an unmanned aircraft which can be navigated with human operator in the loop. This paper discusses the design of a UAV with Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability for Maritime applications. The design provides a means for surveillance and communication in Maritime applications. The VTOL-UAV utilises a five-rotor propulsion system that can be launched from confined platforms such as ship-decks. The intended applications of this M-UAV drove the development of an innovative landing system which in the case of emergencies can allow the M-UAV’s soft and potential landing on the water surface. The other functionalities of this UAV are its capabilities to deploy communication Micro-sonobuoys which allows for communication with underwater Robot(s) via Operator in the loop. In this paper we also discuss the process of structural design modelling and evaluation of the development of the Maritime Unmanned Air Vehicle.