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Rocket-based versus solar wing-tail Martian UAVs: design, analysis, and trade studies

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Abstract

In this study, a rocket-based UAV and a solar wing-tail Martian UAV were designed and assessed against a set of criteria established using a house of quality chart. For the design, analysis, trade studies, and optimization, MATLAB and XFLR5 were used. The optimized versions of the two configurations feature the same wing and tail airfoils, the same wing and tail planforms, different dimensions, weight, and performance. Therefore, distinct types of scientific missions are suitable for these aircraft. The results of the study extend our understanding of the capabilities of a Martian fixed-wing airplane in terms of payload mass, hence its scientific value, as well as in terms of its planform geometry and airfoil shapes.

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Funding

This research was funded by the Russian Science Foundation, grant number 22–49-02047.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aircraft Design and Certification Department, Moscow Aviation Institute, Moscow, Russia

    Elena Karpovich, Timur Kombaev, Djahid Gueraiche & Dmitriy Strelets

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  1. Elena Karpovich
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  2. Timur Kombaev
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  3. Djahid Gueraiche
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  4. Dmitriy Strelets
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Correspondence to Elena Karpovich.

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Karpovich, E., Kombaev, T., Gueraiche, D. et al. Rocket-based versus solar wing-tail Martian UAVs: design, analysis, and trade studies. AS (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42401-023-00267-w

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