Study on a Fixed Point Vertical Landing Method Using the Flat Spin for a Fixed-wing UAV

Abstract

A runway for the operation of a fixed-wind UAV cannot be always available in practical missions and there is no handy method for landing in confined space while a catapult can be used for launch. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new vertical landing method using the flat spin. Flat spin is the motion that an aircraft rotates horizontally while it is descending vertically. In order to control its touchdown position to a desired position, it is necessary to generate centripetal force to control UAV's descent path to target direction while descending vertically. This paper shows the method to change the path during vertical descent, as well as the result of flight tests and wind tunnel tests.