Rotary Wing Aircraft Prototype with Gimbal Mount and Coaxial Motor

BACKGROUND

Coaxial motor-powered designs need not be restricted to variable pitch rotors. The cyclic/collective pitch mixing system commonly employee three independent actuators to control the swashplate which can be an improvement on the separate systems found in large aircraft. However, variable pitch flight control systems create mechanical complexity and added weight both of which have detrimental effects on performance and longevity of UAVs. Focusing on a simplification of prop design and weight reduction improvements can be made in propulsion and flight control.

SUMMARY OF TECHNOLOGY

Researchers at OSU have developed an improved propulsion and flight control systems for rotary wing aircraft. The propulsion system uses a coaxial motor with fixed-pitch propellers and a 3D printed dual axis gimbal for direction control. A reduction in weight and complexity is achieved by departing from variable blade pitch props. The 3D printed two-axis gimbal system is controlled by servos. This dual-axis gimbal plus fixed rotor contra-rotating coaxial system provides pitch and roll control, while yaw control is achieved through adjustment of the RPM of one of the coaxial drive motors. The dual-axis gimbal setup in the flight control system and the fixed-pitch prop coaxial propulsion system allows the vehicle to hover and control directional velocity without wings while reducing weight and design complexity. The improvements in this aircraft represent a substantial advancement in aircraft design and performance. 

POTENTIAL AREAS OF APPLICATION

• UAV and small aircraft design

MAIN ADVANTAGES

• Gimbal mount allows for non-winged altitude and directional velocity
• Lighter prop design
• Simpler prop design

STAGE OF DEVELOPMENT

• Working Model