Numerical Investigation of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Launch from Military Transport Aircrafts

Launching a fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) out of the cargo hold of a flying transport aircraft (TA) is numerically investigated. A numerical tool chain is established to capture the dynamic motion of the UAV during launch, in which the DLR-TAU Code flow solver is coupled with a flight mechanics tool. A parameter study investigates how the UAV launch speed, position, and orientation relative to the loading platform of two different TAs affect its trajectory and aerodynamic behaviors. Furthermore, the influence of the angle of attack of the TA on the UAV trajectory and pitch angle is analyzed. This information will help design a launch mechanism that ensures a safe separation and aerodynamically stable flight after launch.