Modelling, design and control of middle-size tilt-rotor quadrotor

Abstract: This paper explores the mathematical modelling and 3D design of a tilt-rotor quadrotor aircraft. The aircraft is a VTOL design and has capacity for one pilot. The design incorporates a part manual part automatic computerised flight control system and hybrid powertrain providing energy to eight ducted contrarotating propellers. Analysis of controllability was performed using the parameters derived from the developed model for the take-off phase of flight. The aircraft is of a lightweight design and is intended to fill a niche in the aviation market with potential for civilian and military applications. The aircraft has multiple redundancies in the instance of propeller failure. The viability of a hybrid powerplant is explored by combining industry standard gas turbine technology with electrical motor and battery systems. The combination of these systems results in a safe, versatile aircraft that can operate at different levels of automation depending on environmental factors or phase of flight. Simulation confirms the design of the aircraft.