METHODS OF CALCULATION OF UAV FLIGHT MODE ALONG AN ARBITRARY TRAJECTORY SAVING ENERGY RESOURCES

Abstract

This research investigates methods for calculating fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle flight modes along arbitrary trajectories with the goal of reducing electrical energy consumption. The study considers the influence of trajectory geometry, airspeed selection, battery state-of-charge, and wind conditions on total mission energy. A wind-aware computational model was developed in MATLAB using a fixed-wing aerodynamic power formulation that includes parasitic and induced drag components. The model compares direct flight in calm air, direct flight under wind, cubic Bezier trajectory optimization, quintic polynomial segment optimization, and adaptive velocity profiling along a prescribed path. The simulation uses a representative fixed-wing UAV mission from a start point to a goal point at constant altitude. A steady wind component with stochastic gust disturbances is included, and all optimized methods are constrained by airspeed limits, mission time, curvature, and acceleration feasibility. Simulation results show that energy-optimal flight is not determined by path length alone. Wind direction and airspeed have a strong effect on energy use, and a favorable wind can reduce energy consumption even for direct flight. The results demonstrate that UAV energy saving requires joint consideration of trajectory shape and flight-mode selection, especially in wind-affected environments.