ESTIMATION OF EMPENNAGE DESIGN WEIGHT IN CONCEPTUAL DESIGN PHASE FOR TACTICAL UAVs

New formulas for empennage weight estimation and for takeoff weight estimation, in conceptual design phase are derived for a tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (TUAV). Formulas are derived by analyzing existing UAVs of the weighs from 100 to 500 kg, and which have similar characteristics. Based on statistical trends, obtained from analyzed existing UAVs, takeoff weight is estimated from mission specification, and given payload weight. Software tools are developed in Matlab to facilitate takeoff and component weight calculations. The least square method is applied to analyze statistical data in order to develop trend functions which correlate TUAVs empty weight and takeoff weight. Existing formulas, developed for general aviation, for empennage and takeoff weight estimations are applied to TUAV and promising one are selected and adjusted to TUAV conceptual design phase. Empennage weight is related to geometrical parameters, maximum speed, and takeoff weight of the TUAVs