Flight Mechanics Analysis of a Motorized Trike with Composite Wing

Abstract

In this work, a mathematical model to study the dynamic behavior of a trike ultralight aircraft is developed. This is done because, to the best of the writers’ knowledge, no specific theories are available for powered hang gliders. To do that, in order to take into account the engine thrust, the necessary changes have been made on models developed for hang gliders. The trike, which is a particular case of powered hang glider, is modeled as a compound system made of a wing and an undercarriage. The case of rigid wing, made of composite materials, is considered in the present work. Equilibrium governing equations are written, the trim conditions are evaluated, and the fixed control dynamic stability is investigated for both longitudinal and lateral motion. After that a modified wing configuration, with two additional vertical fins, is investigated and compared. The dynamic response to pilot controls is evaluated to complete the analysis.