Improving safety and efficiency for fixed-wing UAVs by utilizing an unmanned ground platform
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.15587/2706-5448.2025.339881Keywords:
unmanned ground platform, UAV, military personnel safety, remote launch, modelingAbstract
The object of this research was the launch process of fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Military unmanned aerial vehicle systems are rapidly improving and becoming increasingly effective on the battlefield and in the enemy's rear. However, the complex and dynamic environment of modern warfare significantly impacts the preparation and launch of UAVs. Therefore, ensuring the maximum safety of these operations is one of the key factors influencing the overall effectiveness of these systems. At the same time, the launch operation requires personnel to be in an open area, making it a critical task to find solutions to protect UAV crews from enemy attacks. A possible solution is the remote control of the UAV launch. This article proposes using unmanned ground platforms for the remote launch of fixed-wing UAVs to reduce the probability of enemy strikes against crews and equipment. The research included modeling and comparing the launch of a fixed-wing UAV from a runway and with the help of an unmanned ground platform. The modeling results showed that launching from the platform reduces the takeoff distance by 39.1% (from 273.6 m to 166.7 m) and the operation time by more than half (from ~23 s to 9.2 s). This overall reduction will decrease the probability of the unmanned equipment being struck by the enemy. An additional advantage of this method is reduced fuel consumption. It also allows for the use of a propeller that is more efficient for flight, which is not possible with a traditional runway takeoff. Reducing the strength requirements for the drone's airframe allows for a decrease in its mass, which, in turn, increases the mass of the warhead or reconnaissance equipment.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Nazar Pedchenko, Alina Yanko, Oleksandr Laktionov, Bohdan Boriak

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