A CFD-Based Comparative Analysis of X-Wing Drone Performance with Varying Dihedral Angles

The aerodynamic performance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with non-conventional geometries is a growing area of interest, particularly for improving stability and maneuverability. This study investigates the influence of the dihedral angle on the aerodynamic behavior and overall performance of drones configured in an X-wing layout. Four configurations with dihedral angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45° were analyzed to assess how varying the wing inclination affects flight characteristics. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations were conducted to evaluate the aerodynamic forces and moments acting on each configuration under controlled conditions. Following the aerodynamic analysis, a performance assessment was carried out to determine the implications of each dihedral angle on parameters such as range, endurance, rate of climb, angle of climb or turn rate. The results indicate that increasing the dihedral angle can enhance maneuverability but may lead to trade-offs in aerodynamic efficiency, particularly at higher angles. The 15° and 30° configurations demonstrated a favorable balance between maneuverability and performance. These findings provide insight into the design optimization of X-wing UAVs and highlight the potential of dihedral angle tuning as a means to tailor drone behavior for specific operational needs.