Aerodynamic characteristics and static stability computations analysis of a twin-boom UAV with inverted V-tail

Abstract

The inverted V-tail is equipped in a twin-boom UAV,whose intersection angle can influence the aerodynamic characteristics and static stability. A twin-boom UAV with inverted V-tail is proposed,and compared with the U-tail configuration by numerical method. The computational models of inverted V-tail and U-tail configuration are examined and verified numerically. The longitudinal,lateral and directional aerodynamic characteristics and static stability of the two configurations are investigated and compared at different angles of attack and side-slip angles. The results show that the inverted V-tail can reduce the wetted area,increase the lift drag ratio of the whole aircraft by 2.2%,and increase the stall angle of attack of the tail,whereas the lateral static stability is decreased apparently. When the included angle is less than 90°,the tail can enhance the lateral stability of the aircraft.The increment of included angle leads to a slight decrement of directional stability,but makes certain increment of longitudinal stability.

Keywords

• inverted v-tail
• twin-boom configuration
• uav
• aerodynamic characteristics
• static stability