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Propulsion Overview

The propulsion system of a fixed-wing UAV in the Setuav Standard defines the components responsible for generating thrust and providing electrical power. This includes motors, electronic speed controllers (ESCs), propellers, and batteries.

Core Concepts

The propulsion system is designed with the following principles:

  • Component-Based Definition: Each propulsion component (motor, ESC, propeller, battery) is defined independently with its technical specifications.
  • Performance Data: Components include performance characteristics such as thrust curves, efficiency maps, and power consumption.
  • Integration Ready: All components include mounting specifications and electrical requirements for seamless integration into the airframe.

Component Types

The propulsion system includes the following component categories:

  1. Motor: Brushless DC motors with specifications including KV rating, maximum current, resistance, and efficiency data.
  2. ESC (Electronic Speed Controller): Electronic controllers that regulate motor speed, including current limits, voltage range, and protocol support.
  3. Propeller: Fixed-pitch propellers defined by diameter, pitch, and performance data (thrust and torque curves).
  4. Battery: Lithium-polymer (LiPo) or other battery types with capacity, voltage, discharge ratings, and weight.

System Integration

Propulsion components are integrated into the UAV design through:

  • Positioning: Motors are positioned in the airframe using the SETUAV_BODY coordinate system (position_x, position_y, position_z).
  • Orientation: Motor thrust vectors are defined using orientation parameters (pitch_rotation, roll_rotation, yaw_rotation).
  • Power System: Battery placement and wiring specifications ensure proper weight distribution and electrical connectivity.
  • Performance Analysis: Combined propulsion data enables thrust-to-weight calculations, endurance estimates, and mission planning.

Units and Standards

All propulsion specifications use SI units:

  • Power: Watts (W)
  • Current: Amperes (A)
  • Voltage: Volts (V)
  • Mass: grams (g) or kilograms (kg)
  • Thrust: Newtons (N)
  • Speed: RPM (revolutions per minute)
  • Capacity: milliamp-hours (mAh) or amp-hours (Ah)