Open Access

Jonas Hippe, Felix Finger, Falk Götten, Carsten Braun

• This paper presents an approach for UAV propulsion system qualification and validation on the example of FH Aachen's 25 kg cargo UAV "PhoenAIX". Thrust and power consumption are the most important aspects of a propulsion system's layout. In the initial design phase, manufacturers' data has to be trusted, but the validation of components is an essential step in the design process. This process is presented in this paper. The vertical takeoff system is designed for efficient hover; therefore, performance under static conditions is paramount. Because an octo-copter layout with coaxial rotors is considered, the impact of this design choice is analyzed. Data on thrust, voltage stability, power consumption, rotational speed, and temperature development of motors and controllers are presented for different rotors. The fixed-wing propulsion system is designed for efficient cruise flight. At the same time, a certain static thrust has to be provided, as the aircraft needs to accelerate to cruise speed. As for the hover-system, data on different propellers is compared. The measurements were taken for static conditions, as well as for different inflow velocities, using the FH-Aachen's wind-tunnel.