Development of a Hybrid-Electric Propulsion System Simulator for a Lightweight Fixed-Wing UAV and Design of On-Board Power Management Strategies

Interest toward aviation hybridization is growing, driven by the demand for solutions that reduce fuel consumption, enhance energy efficiency, and improve overall performance. A fertile ground for applications is that of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), where energy optimization is critical for extended range and reliability, and the characteristics of this type of vehicles allow ample room for design. This study focuses on the modeling of the Sky Eye Systems’ Rapier X-25 UAV, incorporating real mission data to ensure accurate validation and practical relevance. Then, a power management strategy is proposed, leveraging subsystem health compliance management to optimize energy use and maintain operational integrity. The effectiveness of this approach is evaluated through simulation conducted under a plausible mission scenario, comparing the performance of the UAV when powered by conventional propulsion versus hybrid electric propulsion systems. Results highlight the potential of hybrid electric configurations to not only reduce fuel consumption, but also enhance the UAV's operational flexibility and reliability.