Flight mechanics study of the WindtracX drone

Innosuisse project evaluating WindtracX box-wing configurations via a coupled aerodynamic–tether flight mechanics model. ZHAW develops the simulation framework, runs geometry trade-off studies across box-wing arrangements and tether attachment options, and recommends optimal designs for performance, stability, and controllability.

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Description

The Innosuisse project named "Flight mechanics study of the WindtracX drone" aims to evaluate multiple box-wing configurations of the WindtracX Aero Kite Drone by developing a coupled aerodynamic–tether flight mechanics model, enabling systematic geometry trade-off studies that identify stable, efficient designs for high-altitude wind-assisted propulsion.

ZHAW will develop the full flight mechanics and tether-coupling framework, implement vortex-lattice and strip-theory aerodynamic models, execute the geometry trade-off study across different box-wing arrangements and tether attachment options, and deliver evidence-backed recommendations on the configurations offering the best compromise between performance, stability, and controllability.