Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have drawn significant attention from researchers over the last decade due to their wide range of possible uses. Carrying massive payloads concurrent with light UAVs has broadened the aeronautics context, which is feasible using powerful engines; however, it faces several practical control dilemmas. This paper introduces a medium-scale hexacopter, called the Fan Hopper, alimenting Electric Ducted Fan (EDF) engines to investigate the optimum control possibilities for a fully autonomous mission carrying a heavy payload, even of liquid materials, considering calculations of higher orders. Conducting proper aerodynamic simulations, the model is designed, developed, and tested through robotic Gazebo simulation software to ensure proper functionality. Correspondingly, an Ardupilot open source autopilot is employed and enhanced by a model reference adaptive controller (MRAC) for the attitude loop to stabilize the system in case of an EDF failure and adapt the system coefficients when the fluid payload is released. Obtained results reveal less than a 5% error in comparison to desired values. This research reveals that tuned EDFs function dramatically for large payloads; meanwhile, thermal engines could be substituted to maintain much more flight endurance.

Recently, various research studies have been developed to address communication sensors for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs). In particular, when pondering control difficulties, communication is a crucial component. To this end, strengthening a control algorithm with redundant linking sensors ensures the overall system works accurately, even if some components fail. This paper proposes a novel approach to integrate several sensors and actuators for a heavy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Additionally, a cutting-edge Robust Thrust Vectoring Control (RTVC) technique is designed to control various communicative modules during a flying mission and converge the attitude system to stability. The results of the study demonstrate that even though RTVC is not frequently utilized, it works as well as cascade PID controllers, particularly for multi-rotors with mounted flaps, and could be perfectly functional in UAVs powered by thermal engines to increase the autonomy since the propellers cannot be used as controller surfaces.

Recently, various research has been developed addressing communication sensors for Unmanned Aerial Systems (UASs); especially when pondering control difficulties, communication is a crucial component. To this end, strengthening a control algorithm with redundant linking sensors ensures the overall system works accurately even if some components fail. This paper proposes a novel approach to integrate several sensors and actuators for a heavy Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). Additionally, a cutting-edge Robust Thrust Vectoring Control (RTVC) technique is designed to control various communicative modules during a flying mission and converge the attitude system to stability. The results of the study demonstrate that even though RTVC is not frequently utilized, it works as well as cascade PID controllers, particularly for multi-rotors with mounted flaps, and could be perfectly functional in UAVs powered by thermal engines to increase the autonomy since the propellers cannot be used as controller surfaces.