Fuel Saving for Flapping Wing Vehicles by Powered-Gliding/Climbing Flight

Powered-gliding/climbing flight is considered as a means for reducing the fuel consumption of flapping wing vehicles. This is a flight mode performed by birds that shows continual altitude changes. The altitude changes consist of a glide phase supported by power due to flapping the wings and a climb phase. Because of the power support, the glide phase may be termed powered glide. A flight mechanics model of flapping wing vehicles is developed for describing the motion involving cycles of a powered glide and a climb. Furthermore, an optimization method is used to construct solutions for minimizing the fuel consumption. Results from a performance evaluation show that a significant decrease in the fuel consumption can be achieved by powered-gliding/climbing flight. This improvement in the fuel efficiency is basically due to the powered glide. Furthermore, the behavior of optimized states and controls is presented to show the effects of powered-gliding/climbing flight on the flight behavior.