Simultaneous small UAV and autopilot system design

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to increase flight performance of small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design. Design/methodology/approach A small UAV is manufactured in Erciyes University, College of Aviation, Model Aircraft Laboratory. Its wing and tail is able to move forward and backward in the nose-to-tail direction in prescribed interval. Autopilot parameters and assembly position of wing and tail to fuselage are simultaneously designed to maximize flight performance using a stochastic optimization method. Results are obtained are used for simulations. Findings Using simultaneous UAV and autopilot system design idea, flight performance is maximized. Research limitations/implications Permission of Directorate General of Civil Aviation in Turkey is required for testing UAVs in long range. Practical implications Simultaneous design idea is very beneficial for improving UAV flight performance. Originality/value Creating a novel method to improve flight performance of UAV and developing an algorithm performing simultaneous design idea.