Experimental Investigation on Motor and Propeller Efficiency of Tailless Mini UAV

Abstract

   The objective of this paper is to investigate the efficiency of motor and propeller of tailless mini UAV by using subsonic wind tunnel. The tests were performed at low subsonic speeds (15 – 25 m/s) and the motor speed was controlled in range 5,500 – 9,800 RPM. The OS motor 490 KV and the propeller size: 14 x 8 inch was selected as the main electric propulsion in the current study. The efficiency of electric engine obtained from the tests is the key for the design and performance flight testing of tailless mini UAV. The experimental shown that the efficiency of motor and propeller is about 60% throughout the range of motor speeds and the test air speeds, while the power available (fastest motor speeds) provides the trend of upside down parabola curve which vary with the tested air speeds. The maximum power available is occur at 25 m/s air speed.