Design, Analysis, and Flight Test of a Compact, Heavy-Lift VTOL Delivery Drone

Abstract

This thesis explores the theoretical design and analysis of a serial hybrid-electric, fully-autonomous, package delivery system for midrange (250-500 mi) missions and payloads up to 25 pounds. To improve applicability without existing infrastructure, the vehicle is designed to be as compact as possible, with full vertical-takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities in a hybrid fixed-wing/tri-copter configuration. The project covers the full breadth of the design process, including initial aircraft sizing methods; propulsion, powertrain and electrical design; structural design for practical manufacture and integration; analysis of the airframe; aerodynamic analysis for stability and control; and the development of closed loop MIMO controllers for VTOL and transition flight to demonstrate controllability. Further, to explore the viability of the tri-copter configuration and prove out the VTOL control scheme, a physical scale model is constructed and flight tested.