Dynamic Modelling of a Non Coventional Thrust-Vectored Airship
Annotatsiya
This paper is concerned with a simulation tool developed for the innovative lighter-than-air airship patented by Nautilus S.r.l. This unmanned airship does not use aerodynamic control surfaces: the primary command system consists in a set of propellers properly placed in order to control and maneuver the airship within the whole flight envelope. Control strategies are different for the two possible flight situations: hovering and forward flight. The simulation package is modular and flexible so that different levels of modelling can be accomplished implementing various airship models, aerodynamic database and control procedures. Flight tests performed on the flight simulator point out that the airship is sufficiently maneuverable even if in a openloop configuration, namely without automatic control devices.