Simultaneous determination of maximum acceleration and endurance of morphing UAV with ABC algorithm-based model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to present a novel approach based on the artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm aiming to achieve maximum acceleration and maximum endurance for morphing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) design. Design/methodology/approach Some of the most important issues in the design of UAV are the design of thrust system and determination of the endurance of the UAV. Although propeller selection is very important for the thrust system design, battery selection has the utmost importance for the determination of UAV endurance. In this study, the calculations of maximum acceleration and endurance required by ZANKA-II during the flight are considered simultaneously. For this purpose, a model based on the ABC algorithm is proposed for the morphing UAV design, aiming to achieve the maximum acceleration and endurance. In the proposed model, the propeller diameter, propeller pitch and battery values used in morphing UAV's power system design are selected as the input parameters; maximum acceleration and endurance are selected as the output parameters. To obtain the maximum acceleration and endurance, the optimum input parameters are determined through the ABC algorithm-based model. Findings Considerable improvements on maximum acceleration and endurance of morphing UAV with ABC algorithm-based model are obtained. Research limitations/implications The endurance and acceleration due to the thrust are two separate parameters that are not normally proportional to each other. In this study, optimization of UAV’s endurance and acceleration is considered with equal importance. Practical implications Using artificial intelligence techniques causes fast and simple optimization for determination of UAV’s endurance and acceleration with equal importance. In the simulation studies with ABC algorithm, satisfactory results are obtained. Social implications The results of the study have showed that the proposed approach could be an alternative method for UAV designers. Originality/value Providing a new and efficient method saves time and reduces cost in calculations of maximum acceleration and endurance of the UAV.