Fixed-Wing Flight

Problem Statement

Fixed-wing platforms have fundamentally different dynamics and control constraints compared to hovering multirotors. This article captures aerodynamic lift-driven flight behavior for autonomous guidance studies.

Model and Formulation

Longitudinal force balance:

$$ m\dot{V} = T\cos\alpha - D - mg\sin\gamma $$

Lift relation:

$$ L=\frac{1}{2}\rho V^2 S C_L(\alpha) $$

Practical Notes

Minimum airspeed constraints are safety-critical.
Turn-rate limits depend on bank angle and available lift.
Wind models strongly influence path-following performance.

Evidence

Fixed Wing Flight

References

Stevens and Lewis, Aircraft Control and Simulation
Beard and McLain, Small Unmanned Aircraft

VTOL Transition
Frenet Optimal

Fixed-Wing Flight ​

Problem Statement ​

Model and Formulation ​

Practical Notes ​

Evidence ​

References ​