Development of Micro Air Vehicle Based on Aerodynamic Modeling Analysis in Tunnel Tests

This paper presents development of an electrically powered Micro Air Vehicle (MAV) prototype based on aerodynamic analysis in wind tunnel and water tunnel tests. Two airframe models in triangle and square wing planforms, each with a wingspan of 100mm, are analyzed with a small-scale low speed wind tunnel to examine the practical characteristics at the low Reynolds number. The test in a water tunnel is further carried out to investigate the relationship between the vortex aerofoil design and turbulences created. The testing results show that the triangle wing aerofoil appears greater maximum lift coefficient and little occurrence of vortex and turbulences. Based on the verified wing planform in the tunnel tests, a MAV prototype was further designed and fabricated, with successful tests in the real flight.