TITLE:
Aerodynamic Interference and Trajectory Analysis of Sub-UAV Separation from a Composite-Wing Aircraft
AUTHORS:
Hao He, Qi Wang
KEYWORDS:
Aerodynamic Interference, UAV Deployment, Flight Trajectory, Separation Strategies, CFD
JOURNAL NAME:
Advances in Aerospace Science and Technology,
Vol.11 No.2,
April
22,
2026
ABSTRACT: This paper uses the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) method, sliding/overset mesh technique and coupled 6-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) dynamic model to study sub-UAV deployment from a composite-wing carrier in cruise and hover conditions. After validating the numerical framework via a hovering rotor case and a benchmark store separation case, it compares the performance of inboard/outboard deployment positions and different deployment strategies, and develops a quasi-steady spatial distortion envelope bounded by actuator saturation limits to provide a theoretical basis for safe hardpoint layout. The results show that aerodynamic interference at the outboard deployment position in hover is significantly stronger (by approximately 43%) due to rotor wake asymmetry, and confirm that the accelerated gravity-drop strategy is safer than the traditional tube launch method.