Application of SG6043mod Airfoil for the Enhanced Aerodynamic Characteristics of UAV Wing

This study was conducted to investigate the application of SG6043mod airfoil (which is an aerodynamically improved airfoil) for the enhanced aerodynamics of UAV wings. For practical application, the wing parameters were chosen close to the wing of Cessna 172. SG6043 versions of airfoil exhibited better aerodynamic performance. Therefore, the performance of two UAV wings (designed from original SG6043 and SG6043mod airfoils) was compared. The results showed that the wing designed from SG6043mod airfoil demonstrated improved aerodynamic characteristics compared to the original wing designed from SG6043 airfoil. A maximum lift coefficient increment of more than 10%, delayed stall angle of nearly 2°, and sustained drag were associated with the SG6043mod. The study suggests that SG6043mod airfoil is a good contender for military UAVs and can especially be considered for combat and surveillance mission UAVs.