Feasibility Study of the electrical propulsion system for tilt-rotor UAV : Practical system architecture and vehicle performance trade-off

摘要

This paper aims to investigate practical system architecture and technology readiness to realize all electrictilt-rotor. As this study is pioneering one to explore technical readiness and development trends for this application,the result of this study is to suggest suitable electric power system concept for VTOL UAV with a missiongoal of 200lbs payload, 5 hours endurance at cruise speed more than 140 kts and 10,000 ft altitude. Forbetter understanding, this study will use the current Smart UAV as a baseline for electric tilt-rotor conversion.On top of that, a strategy of airframe conversion and modification from currently developed Smart UAV tobe discussed reflecting electric system understanding and the lessons learned from the previous tilt-rotor vehicledevelopment experience for the past years.