Selection of the Layout of the Main Systems of a Heavy Multicopter Taking Into Account the Requirements of Aviation Regulation

Abstract

This article discusses the possibility of using a multicopter type aircraft as a transport vehicle in urban environments. This type of transport is the most promising in the near future, given the constantly growing number of traffic jams in large cities. The assessment of this aircraft is presented, taking into account the reliability requirements specified in the regulatory documents. The analysis of the aviation regulations requirements in terms of the aircraft systems reliability was carried out. Also the paper presents six options for the multicopter layout with a different number of propellers, taking into account the propeller control system, power supply system and control system. Other onboard systems are not considered, since their failures do not lead to an aircraft crash. An assessment of these options, taking into account the multicopter most critical onboard equipment layout according to reliability criterion by budgeting the requirements for one thrust generation channel, is given. Fault trees and failure situations that lead to a disastrous situation are also presented for each multicopter layout separately, as well as proposals for the number of independent channels for the power supply system and control system. Based on the set quantitative requirements for the occurrence of a catastrophic situation for the main on-board equipment and various layout options, taking into account the number of propellers and proposals for their architecture, power supply systems and control systems the most promising multicopter architecture options are determined. They meet the requirements for failure safety for a catastrophic situation.