UAV platforms often use commercial off the shelf electric propulsion units for thrust generation. The manufacturers of these electric motors often only include the maximum efficiency or a list of efficiencies coupled with specific rotors. Taking into account the effect of the electronic speed control, many combinations are possible, making it hard to predict the final propulsion and efficiency of the complete propulsion unit. In this paper, a novel method of analysis is discussed to predict the flight endurance of any motor, battery, propeller combination. Using flight testing, the model is verified for four specific configurations. The model is then used to present some trends on flight endurance and cost as a function of vehicle weight using a total of 13 configurations. In future, the model could be used by UAV designers to better predict the performance of their aircraft using COTS components.
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