Application of cycle variable pitch propeller to morphing unmanned aerial vehicles

Most of morphing aircrafts control the flight attitude by the deformation of aircraft wing, however morphing UAV is not limited to the deformation of the wing. This paper studies cyclic variable pitch propeller system which can generate control torque. According to mathematical model of cyclic variable pitch propeller based on propeller blade element theory, the study analyzes the principle and researches the way of attitude control. Simulation based on model of flight dynamics shows control torque produced by the system is effective on maneuverability of the morphing UAV. And experimental measurement has been done with six-axis force/torque transducer, results show the force and moment generated by CVPP system as the change of pitch angle conforms with the mathematical model and CVPP system have the ability to replace conventional control surfaces.