Module 2, Lesson 10 - Factors Affecting Aircraft Performance

Module 2, Lesson 10 - Factors Affecting Aircraft Performance

Factors Affecting Aircraft Performance 

When designing a UAS, designers consider mission requirements and look at inherent vehicle factors as well as external factors that may affect the aircraft such a weather and location. While considering mission requirements the designer looks at the payload and range/flight requirements to determine the proper type of configuration and propulsion system needed for the aircraft. 

Multiple Choice

What should a properly designed UAS be able to do?

• Be able to carry and operate its payload for the required flight duration and range in a variety of weather conditions.

• Be able to complete mission requirements as inexpensively as possible.

• Be able to conduct a mission in at least half the time it would take to be done traditionally.

Multiple Select

A UAS Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) may list the following design and flight limitations that you should look out for:

• Maximum airspeed

• Altitude & Bank angle

• Climb and descent rates

• Payload capacity or vehicle gross weight

• Operating limits

Weight & Balance limitations are documented in the operating manual and should be followed closely, as adding heavier payloads to a sUAS can adversely affect performance and stability. Although an sUAS may be able to tolerate some increases in payloads and shifts in weight & balance, long term effects on the vehicle could be significant.  

Multiple Select

How might a long-term shift in weight and balance negatively affect an aircraft? (Select all that apply)

• The aircraft and flight control system may fly on the edge of the approved manufactures flight envelope, removing the additional safety margin

• The aircraft's maximum altitude capability will be degraded over time

• Premature degradation and failures of propulsion motors, Speed controllers, Servos

• The wing will have to operate at a lower AOA which could exceed the structural limits of the wing

An increase in the weight of a fixed-wing aircraft causes the wing to have to operate at a higher AOA which could exceed the structural limits of the wing. If weight and balance of a multirotor UAS are shifted too much, lifting performance worsens because of the increased weight. 

Multiple Choice

How is angle of climb affected if too much weight is added to the aircraft?

• There is no effect on angle of climb

• Angle of climb is increased

• Angle of climb is reduced

Multiple Choice

Match the step to the correct order to ensure that a multirotor center of gravity is accurate:

Verify the UA is safe to fly

• First

• Second

• Third

Multiple Choice

Match the step to the correct order to ensure that a multirotor center of gravity is accurate:

Check temperature of motors to see if motors on one side are warmer than on the other side

• First

• Second

• Third

Multiple Choice

Match the step to the correct order to ensure that a multirotor center of gravity is accurate:

Hold the aircraft up by the opposing motor arms and look for an imbalance

• First

• Second

• Third

Fill in the blanks below to denote how the performance of a UA can be adversely affected by being overweight:

REMEMBER: Do not alter or increase the load of your sUAS without

OEM guidance or flight testing.