Control Characteristics Analysis of Split-Drag-Rudder

Abstract

Flying wing configuration is a promising candidate for various kinds of unmanned aerial vehicles. However, this kind of configuration eliminates conventional vertical tail and rudder, thus existing severe problems on yawing control. To make the flying wing configuration into practical use, it is especially necessary to gain a deep understanding on the control characteristics of yawing control devices. To the innovative yawing control device: split-drag-rudder, which is most widely used on flying wing configuration, the paper introduced its current research and mechanical feature, then carefully analyzed its yawing control characteristics, three-axis control coupling effect, also influencing regularities on aerodynamics and stabilities. The conclusions can help to provide basis on engineering application for split-drag-rudder, and to some extent, help to solve the yawing control problem for the flying wing configuration.