VTOL Design

My most recent research project at the India Institute of Technology (IIT) Mandi involved developing an innovative electric VTOL (Vertical Takeoff and Landing) model.  It all started when I came across a patent by IIT Mandi for a hybrid drone that could travel long distances in the range of 50 to 80 kms. This made me realize that drones are very inefficient for long-distance flying. Although planes are better suited for long-distance travel due to their speed, efficiency, and payload capacity, they need more dedicated space for takeoff and landing. Given IIT Mandi’s location in the mountainous region of Himachal, I knew we needed a solution that didn’t require significant space for takeoff and landing.

Prior to this project, I had already studied VTOL tilt rotor models, which can vertically take off and land while flying in the fixed rotor form. Drawing from my previous research on VTOLs, two specific designs – the tilt rotor and tilt wing VTOL – captivated my thoughts. Recognizing the inherent challenges in building VTOLs, I opted for the relatively simpler tilt rotor VTOL design. I shared this idea with the Chairperson, (Center of AI and Robotics)@ IIT Mandi who was overseeing the patents and students. He then connected me to one of his students who had worked on the hybrid drone. After explaining my idea to them, they agreed to support me if I could create a stable demo to prove its efficiency. Thus, I embarked on this research project, which was primarily a solo endeavor.

During the research phase, I delved into multiple aerofoil designs to find one that occupied less space, was lightweight, and could generate the highest amount of lift. Ultimately, I settled on the Clark-y aerofoil design. I also encountered new physics terms, such as the Coriolis force, and faced challenges in designing the swivel for the motor. Despite multiple setbacks, I eventually created a precise 3D model that has a mechanism to tilt the rotor with minimal force on the servo and maximum stability and precision, thus, supporting the motors without compromising their moment of inertia. Additionally, I worked on the electronic components, selecting suitable motors and batteries to maintain the center of mass. 

After that, I researched how to automate the aircraft’s movement when in drone mode and developed a few basic concepts. Subsequently, I learned about how actual drones use flight controllers and investigated how they could be programmed or modified for my purposes. I constructed a foundational drone to gain a comprehensive understanding of quadcopter control and flight controllers, their calibrations, set up functions, connections for a Pixhawk, and responses to various configurations. This knowledge would ultimately pave the way for automating the VTOL, but initially, my goal was to manually control and test it, mapping its efficiency.

Following this, I designed several base models to demonstrate how the aircraft would execute basic maneuvers in the air while operating in drone mode. Despite suggestions from many in the lab to start with fixed rotor VTOLs or other designs instead of tackling the most complex option, I believed that for a project in an IIT state-of-the-art lab, pursuing the best and most challenging option was essential to give the project true meaning.

I will continue to research and refine my ideas, remaining committed to the project.