Baseline designs

[rkennerly]

How did you come to the calculation of the maximum payload for each design? Is it in a worksheet or other source? So if we make our own design or redesign a given one we can take this into consideration.

[ptc-4336050 · Accepted solution]

First of all, The UAV can't be more than 50 lbs. Thats FAA regulations.

Secondly, You need to use a combination of the Wing Definition worksheet and the performance worksheet in Mathcad as well as the Aircraft_WB_Spreadsheet in Excel to determine the viability of your design.

In the Wing Definition worksheet, you design your wing and depending on how its designed will determine its lift capacity

In the Aircraft_WB_Spreadsheet, you will compile all of the necesary payload for your design

In the Performance worksheet you will determine the nessary speed/engine in order to carry your payload (remember FAA regulations say you can't go faster than 80mph!). You should set your stall speed to be atleast 5mph less than (if not more) your cruising speed. This is where you truly determine your maximum payload. If your stall speed is too high then you need to decrease payload weight or increase wing area. Good luck

[bterwilliger]

Robert, the five baseline designs are based on actual unmanned aircraft either in operation or in development right now. The payload capabilities for these examples were identified by the designers/companies. However, as Paul has identified use of the worksheets will assist in determining overall capabilities for custom designs.