Aerodynamic Numerical Optimization in UAV Design (2nd Edition)

Dear Colleagues,

Contemporary unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) possess diverse aerodynamic configuration solutions, promoting their utilization in a wide range of challenging and demanding operational conditions.

Custom-tailored UAVs have evolved in various industries to meet predetermined mission profiles. Precision agriculture, construction and infrastructure, filmmaking and photography, environmental monitoring, logistics and delivery, mining and resource exploration, oil and gas, search and rescue, security and surveillance, and surveying and mapping present just some of the industries that have been substantially influenced by their development.

The progressive development of UAVs featuring remote or automated flight and mission controls has superseded that of manned aircraft, eliminating the need for onboard pilots in many critical roles.

While these technologies have seen significant progress in recent years and play a vital role in these domains, there is a growing need to optimize their aerodynamic characteristics in order to enhance their performance, stability, maneuverability, effectiveness, and efficiency.

Aerodynamic numerical optimization is essential in the design of UAVs. Optimized aerodynamics enable higher flight speeds, longer endurance, and increased payload capacity, resulting in improved operational efficiency and increased stability and maneuverability, allowing UAVs to perform complex missions and tasks with precision.

Moreover, optimized designs can reduce energy consumption and extend flight times, having a positive environmental impact.

Therefore, exploring and investigating the field of aerodynamic numerical optimization is crucial to unlocking the full potential of UAVs across various sectors.

Furthermore, with notable advancements in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and optimization methods, traditional approaches to UAV design that rely heavily on experimental testing and analytical models can be circumvented in order to efficiently explore, investigate, and enhance the aerodynamic characteristics of UAVs.

This Special Issue focuses on the state-of-the-art advancements in and applications of aerodynamic numerical optimization techniques in UAV design to explore the progress, applications, and challenges in this field.

Prof. Dr. Aleksandar M. Simonović
Guest Editor

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