Design of a Scaled RPV for Investigation of Gust Response of Joined-Wing Sensorcraft

A 1/9 th scale, aeroelastically equivalent Remotely Piloted Vehicle (RPV) is desired to investigate the gust response of a Joined-Wing Sensorcraft concept. In order to achieve aeroelastic similarity between the reduced and full scale models, several key scaling parameters must be applied. These parameters are derived from the governing aeroelastic equations of motion and are used to scale the baseline modal response. Several optimization strategies are developed and applied in order to match the 1/9 th scale article’s modal response with that of the scaled baseline. Special consideration is required as this model is to be used for flight testing and therefore an initial, “rigid”, airworthy aircraft is designed for an initial flight test program. The design of this initial model will help determine component space reservations and masses, which is critical for subsequent aeroelastic scaling work.