Space range estimate for battery-powered vertical take-off and landing aircraft

Abstract

A novel method for estimating the space range of battery-powered vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft is presented. The method is based on flight parameter optimization and numerical iteration. Subsystem models including required thrust, required power and battery discharge models are presented. The problem to be optimized is formulated, and then case study simulation is conducted using the established method for quantitative analysis. Simulation results show that the space range of battery-powered VTOL aircraft in a vertical plane is an oblate curve, which appears horizontally long but vertically short, and the peak point is not located on the vertical climb path. The method and results are confirmed by parameter analysis and validations.

Keywords

battery-powered aircraft / vertical take-off and landing / space range / tailsitter

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