Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations
Abstract High-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operate in extreme environmental conditions that impose significant constraints on design, stability, and performance. This paper presents a structured review of the major challenges associated with the development of fixed-wing, multirotor, and...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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Springer
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Discover Applied Sciences |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07357-8 |
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| author | Shubham Rai Abhishek Rawat Ajit Kumar |
| author_facet | Shubham Rai Abhishek Rawat Ajit Kumar |
| author_sort | Shubham Rai |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract High-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operate in extreme environmental conditions that impose significant constraints on design, stability, and performance. This paper presents a structured review of the major challenges associated with the development of fixed-wing, multirotor, and hybrid Vertical take-off Landing (VTOL) UAVs, with emphasis on their suitability for high-altitude, long-endurance missions. UAVs are classified based on design, weight, aerodynamics, and operational role to provide clarity in application-specific development. Key design elements such as materials, propulsion systems, airfoils, and structural layout are examined alongside aerodynamic considerations including lift, drag, wing loading, and stability. Special attention is given to VTOL systems, focusing on transition dynamics, energy efficiency, and control. The paper also highlights current research gaps, particularly in power systems, thermal regulation, and structural optimization, guiding future innovations in high-altitude UAV technology. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-afb49b07c3124597b2b09fa77a9634f4 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 3004-9261 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Springer |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Discover Applied Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-afb49b07c3124597b2b09fa77a9634f42025-08-20T04:03:00ZengSpringerDiscover Applied Sciences3004-92612025-07-017812810.1007/s42452-025-07357-8Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovationsShubham Rai0Abhishek Rawat1Ajit Kumar2Department of Electrical and Computer Science, Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and ManagementDepartment of Electrical and Computer Science, Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and ManagementDepartment of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institute of Infrastructure, Technology, Research and ManagementAbstract High-altitude unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) operate in extreme environmental conditions that impose significant constraints on design, stability, and performance. This paper presents a structured review of the major challenges associated with the development of fixed-wing, multirotor, and hybrid Vertical take-off Landing (VTOL) UAVs, with emphasis on their suitability for high-altitude, long-endurance missions. UAVs are classified based on design, weight, aerodynamics, and operational role to provide clarity in application-specific development. Key design elements such as materials, propulsion systems, airfoils, and structural layout are examined alongside aerodynamic considerations including lift, drag, wing loading, and stability. Special attention is given to VTOL systems, focusing on transition dynamics, energy efficiency, and control. The paper also highlights current research gaps, particularly in power systems, thermal regulation, and structural optimization, guiding future innovations in high-altitude UAV technology.https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07357-8High-altitude UAVFlight stabilityAerodynamicsEnergy efficiencyLong-endurance UAVStructural integrity |
| spellingShingle | Shubham Rai Abhishek Rawat Ajit Kumar Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations Discover Applied Sciences High-altitude UAV Flight stability Aerodynamics Energy efficiency Long-endurance UAV Structural integrity |
| title | Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations |
| title_full | Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations |
| title_fullStr | Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations |
| title_full_unstemmed | Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations |
| title_short | Design and performance analysis of high-altitude UAVs: trends, challenges, and innovations |
| title_sort | design and performance analysis of high altitude uavs trends challenges and innovations |
| topic | High-altitude UAV Flight stability Aerodynamics Energy efficiency Long-endurance UAV Structural integrity |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1007/s42452-025-07357-8 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT shubhamrai designandperformanceanalysisofhighaltitudeuavstrendschallengesandinnovations AT abhishekrawat designandperformanceanalysisofhighaltitudeuavstrendschallengesandinnovations AT ajitkumar designandperformanceanalysisofhighaltitudeuavstrendschallengesandinnovations |