Volume – 3 Issue – 2 Article – 2

Numerical Analysis of Variable Morphing Wing for Improved Aerodynamic Performance of a Predator MQ-1B

Erdogan Kaygan
Girne American University, Department of Aviation Management and Pilotage, Cyprus, Turkey
F IJAST 2022; 3 (2) DOI: 10.23890/IJAST.vm03is02.0202; Language: EN

In this paper, aerodynamic performance benefits of morphing unmanned
aerial vehicle’s wing concepts are investigated. A Predator MQ-1B with
variable wing structure was utilized for this study. The concept consists of
variable twist (-10°< θ <10°, in steps of ±2.5°) and wing sweep (0°< θ <30°, in
steps of +10°) to illustrate morphing wing’s performance benefits. All
computations were performed with Athena Vortex Lattice modelling with
varying degrees of twist and sweep angle considered. The results obtained
from this work show that if morphing wings adapted to the Predator MQ-1B,
it will provide significant performance benefits and also offer a great
opportunity to reduce fuel consumption.

Aerodynamics
Morphing
Predator
Sweep
Twist

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