The UAV Design and Simulation using MATLAB/Simulink

Abstract

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have played a vital role in a wide range of applications such as aerial mapping, agricultural monitoring, surveillance, and logistics. However, the development and testing of UAV flight control systems remain challenging due to the complexity of dynamic modeling and the risks associated with real-world testing. Traditional methods often require extensive field trials, which can be costly, time-consuming, and potentially hazardous. This study aims to develop a reliable and efficient flight control system for quadrotor UAVs by utilizing a Model-Based Design (MBD) approach in MATLAB-Simulink, integrated with the PX4 open-source autopilot firmware. To ensure accuracy and reduce deployment risks, the Hardware-in-the-Loop (HITL) simulation technique was employed, allowing for the real-time validation of control algorithms in a simulated yet realistic environment. The proposed method facilitates a seamless transition from simulation to hardware implementation, supporting features such as waypoint navigation, real-time parameter tuning, and mission planning via QGroundControl. This integrated framework enhances both the safety and effectiveness of UAV development and serves as a foundation for further research in autonomous aerial systems.