Design and energy consumption analysis of variable-angle-of-attack hybrid-wing UAV

Abstract

Limited endurance constrains drone delivery systems, which makes low-energy designs necessary. This study proposes a hybrid-wing UAV with real-time variable angle-of-attack (AoA) control and establishes a physics-based energy model integrating computational fluid dynamics (CFD) aerodynamics and dynamic equilibrium. Wind-tunnel simulations revealed optimal efficiency at 7.3 – 10 m/s with a low AoA (arctan (1/2)). The hybrid configuration reduced energy consumption by 48.4 % (113.36 W vs. 219.55 W) compared to standard quadrotors at 10 m / s. A novel turbulence-utilization strategy exploited airflow separation at a high AoA, contradicting fixed-wing paradigms. Motor torque, current, and power exhibited strong linear relationships (R2 > 0.98), enabling accurate energy predictions with an error rate below 2%. This framework guides energy-efficient drone design and flight planning.