UAV Design
Design Process, Systems Engineering
Approach
Mr. Nirmith Kumar Mishra
Assistant Professor
Department of Aeronautical Engineering
1.5 UAV Design Process
❖ UAV design is an iterative process involving synthesis, analysis,
and evaluation.
❖ Design (Synthesis): The creative process of combining known
elements into new and useful configurations.
❖ Analysis: Predicting the performance or behavior of a design
candidate.
❖ Evaluation: Assessing the predicted performance of feasible
design candidates to identify deficiencies.
1.5.1 Iteration and Integration in UAV Design
❖ UAV design requires both integration and iteration.
❖ There is a strong interrelationship between synthesis, analysis,
and evaluation.
❖ The process involves continuous refinement to optimize the
UAV's performance.
1.5.2 Two Main Groups of Design Activities
Problem Solving through Choosing a Preferred Design Among
Mathematical Calculations Alternatives
Involves engineering equations, Based on performance metrics, cost,
computational modeling, and feasibility, and mission requirements.
simulations.
Example: Aerodynamic performance Trade-off studies to balance multiple
calculations, structural integrity design factors.
analysis.
1.5.3 Design Considerations
❖ The full range of attributes and characteristics of an
engineered UAV system.
❖ Important to both producers (engineers) and customers (end-
users).
1.5.4 Design-Dependent Parameters
❖ Attributes inherent in the design, predicted or estimated.
❖ Primary responsibility of the UAV producer.
❖ Examples:
i. Weight: Affects performance and endurance.
ii. Design life: Expected operational lifespan.
iii. Liability: Probability of successful operation.
iv. Producibility: Ease of manufacturing.
v. Maintainability: Ease of servicing and repairs.
vi. Disposability: Environmental impact of decommissioning.
1.5.5 Design-Independent Parameters
❖ External factors influencing the design evaluation.
❖ Depend on the production and operating environment.
❖ Examples:
i. Fuel cost per gallon
ii. Interest rates
iii. Labor rates
iv. Material cost per pound
1.5.6 Design-Independent Parameters
❖ External factors influencing the design evaluation.
❖ Depend on the production and operating environment.
❖ Examples:
i. Fuel cost per gallon
ii. Interest rates
iii. Labor rates
iv. Material cost per pound
1.5.7 UAV Design Groups
Chief Designer
Structural Aerodynamic Payloads Propulsion Autopilot Ground Launch &
design design system control Recovery
station
Mission Support Landing Communications
design systems gear system
Fig 1.9. UAV Main Design Groups
Ref: Sadraey, Mohammad H. Design of Unmanned Aerial
Systems. John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2020
1.6 Systems Engineering Approach
❖ UAV systems are complex, interdisciplinary engineering
projects.
❖ Systems engineering methodologies help manage risks and
costs.
❖ UAV conceptual design integrates multiple disciplines such as
aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and control systems.
❖ Configuration design requires knowledge of design principles
and systems engineering approaches.
1.6.1 UAV Conceptual Design Process
❖ Begins with defining requirements and extends through:
i. Functional analysis and allocation
ii. Design synthesis and evaluation
iii. Validation
❖ A systems approach ensures optimization and integration with
operational needs.
❖ Life-cycle oriented design minimizes undesirable side effects and
improves efficiency.
1.6.2 UAV Subsystems and Their Role
❖ UAVs consist of multiple subsystems:
i. Flight control subsystem
ii. Power transmission subsystem
iii. Fuel subsystem
iv. Structures
v. Propulsion
vi. Aerodynamics
vii. Landing gear
❖ These subsystems transform an aerodynamically shaped
structure into a functional UAV.
❖ In conceptual and preliminary design phases, subsystems must
be defined and analyzed.
1.6.3 Systems Engineering and UAV Configuration Design
❖ UAVs are interrelated systems with defined objectives such as
safe, cost-effective flight.
❖ Key subsystems include UAV platform, terminals, ground support
equipment, and control stations.
❖ UAV life cycle must be considered, covering:
i. Design and development
ii. Manufacturing
iii. Maintenance and support
iv. Phase-out and disposal
❖ Life-cycle engineering must be incorporated early in the design
process.
1.6.4 Product Competitiveness in UAV Design
❖ UAV producers must ensure product competitiveness in a global
market.
❖ Systems engineering aligns mission expectations with cost-
effectiveness.
❖ Competitive UAV designs balance performance with affordability,
reliability, and supportability.
1.6.5 UAV Configuration Optimization
❖ Traditional UAV design focuses on minimizing Maximum Takeoff
Weight (MTOW).
❖ Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) ensures an optimal
UAV configuration.
❖ MDO framework involves:
i. Defining design parameters, constraints, and objectives
ii. Evaluating relationships between design options and
requirements
iii. Applying systems engineering principles
iv. Developing an optimized design methodology
1.6.6 System Life-Cycle Considerations
❖ UAV design must align with:
i. Performance requirements
ii. Stability and control requirements
iii. Operational outcomes such as safety, producibility,
maintainability, and disposal
❖ Integrated design ensures UAV compatibility with physical and
functional needs.
1.6.7 Evaluation in UAV Systems Engineering
❖ Continuous evaluation is crucial for refining UAV design.
❖ Key evaluation phases:
i. Identifying customer needs and system objectives
ii. Conducting feasibility analysis
iii. Determining system requirements
iv. Designing and developing system components
v. Prototyping and validation
1.6.8 UAV Design Phases
❖ Four major phases:
❖ Conceptual Design
❖ Initial concept development based on decision-making and
selection techniques.
❖ Preliminary Design
❖ Basic calculations and analysis to refine the concept.
❖ Detail Design
❖ Finalization of technical parameters, including geometry of key
components.
❖ Test and Evaluation
❖ Validating design through simulations and real-world testing.
Conclusion
❖ UAV design follows an iterative loop of synthesis, analysis, and
evaluation.
❖ Requires balancing design-dependent and design-independent
parameters.
❖ Selection of a UAV design is based on quantifiable objectives and
constraints.
❖ Continuous improvement through iteration and integration leads
to an optimal UAV system.
Conclusion
❖ UAV systems engineering integrates multiple disciplines for
optimized design.
❖ Life-cycle engineering ensures long-term feasibility and
sustainability.
❖ Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) enhances UAV
competitiveness.
❖ Continuous evaluation and refinement are essential for
successful UAV development.
References
[1]. Sadraey, Mohammad H. Design of Unmanned Aerial Systems. John Wiley & Sons
Ltd, 2020