Scaling Characteristics of Electric Multi-copters Powered by Internal-combustion Engine

Abstract

Scaling characteristics of an electric multi-copter powered by internal combustion engine are investigated. A 1-kW-class internal combustion electric generator is developed, and the energy efficiency of the internal combustion engine is investigated experimentally, and the characteristics of brushless motor are modeled theoretically. The relation between the flight time and the Multi-copter size is investigated on the basis of the statistical modeling of the existing data of the commercial engines and the motors. As a result, the flight time is found maximized at the multi-copter weight of 8 kg.