...Barlas Özgür; Huseyin Sahin; Tugrul Oktay Purpose This article aims to enhance the performance of a piston-prop tactical unmanned aerial vehicle ( TUAV ) by simultaneously and stochastically redesigning its autopilot, powerplant and vertical tail. The performance includes both autonomous flight...

... are presented and analyzed, taking into account both situations when full navigation data is available/unavailable for the control system. Practical implications Results of the system performance analyses can be used for selection of the proper control methodology for prospective helicopters autopilots...

..., longitudinal and lateral dynamics were initially obtained. Then, the optimum magnitudes of the autopilot system parameters were estimated by considering the vehicle’s dynamic model and autopilot parameters. Findings After determining the optimum values of the longitudinal and lateral autopilots...

... at the rate of completion to conquest over the turmoil and insecurities to overcome the privileged recital. The FlightGear simulator is exploited for the endorsement of the recital of the Luenberger observer-based autopilot. The level flight has been subjugated lucratively and has been legitimated...

... 2017 Emerald Publishing Limited Licensed re-use rights only UAV Design Autopilot Flight testing Flying targets f = frequency [Hz]; S = surface area [m²]; T = time constant [sec]; T^-₂ = time to double amplitude [sec]; ζ...

...) has been designed to control all outputs by manipulating inputs. The aim of the autopilot of UAV is to keep the UAV around trim condition and to track airspeed commands. Findings The purpose of using this control method is to decrease the control effort under the certain constraints and deal...