Preliminary assessment of flying and handling qualities for mini-UAVs

The purpose of this work is to identify some criteria for the evaluation of flying and handling qualities of small scale Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (mini-UAVs). A possible solution for the evaluation of handling qualities is based on the minimization of cumulative cross track error (estimated along a sequence of waypoints) at constant altitude and speed, assuming gradual variation of the control inputs (throttle, elevator and ailerons). A complete parametric analysis of vehicle open loop dynamics is performed for a demonstrative mini-UAV. The flying and handling qualities are assessed implementing the selected platform in a full state flight simulator including a realistic autonomous navigation and control system. Different target paths are considered and a parametric study based on the minimization of the cross track error is presented. A section of conclusions summarizes the key results and presents suggestions for future work.