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In the wind tunnel at TU Dresden, the propulsion system and INDI flight control of the ALBACOPTER^®0.5 were thoroughly tested. The propulsion system consist of a lifter beam with two tilt(ing) electric motors. They were examined together with a full-scale wing segment. These tests focused on the functionality and aerodynamic interaction between the engine units and the wing. Mechanical and electrical parameters were measured at wind speeds of up to 35 m/s (approximately 125 km/h). Additionally, the engine units were tilt from hover to cruise flight position, the angle of attack of the wing was varied, and the motor speeds were adjusted.

These data enable scientists to more accurately calculate the energy consumption of the ALBACOPTER^®0.5 and better understand the aerodynamic interactions of the subsystems. Additionally, these measurements are incorporated into the model-based flight controller, which was also tested with a model aircraft on a 3-degrees-of-freedom (3DOF)  test stand in the wind tunnel. The flight controller, based on the “Incremental Nonlinear Dynamic Inversion” (INDI) control technique, takes into account the nonlinear properties of the flight system and, through the incremental approach, allows for precise, robust, and responsive control.