Development of a Cessna Skymaster mathematical model

A Two Step method aerodynamic and engine model identification from flight test data

Master Thesis (2025)
Author(s)

J.T. Wiącek (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Contributor(s)

J.A. Melkert – Mentor (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

L.L.M. Veldhuis – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

C.C. de Visser – Graduation committee member (TU Delft - Aerospace Engineering)

Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
More Info
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Publication Year
2025
Language
English
Graduation Date
06-11-2025
Awarding Institution
Delft University of Technology
Programme
Aerospace Engineering
Faculty
Aerospace Engineering
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99
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Abstract

With the integration of the Cessna Skymaster into the TU Delft research aircraft fleet, a mathematical model is required to quantify its aerodynamic and propulsion characteristics. Aerodynamic model identification is conducted using the Two Step method applied to 19 decoupled doublet and 3-2-1-1 flight test manoeuvres. The engine model is developed as a digitised representation of coupled engine performance and propeller efficiency maps, providing corrected engine horsepower, thrust, and total pressure gain across the propeller. To support system identification, the aircraft’s centre of gravity and inertial characteristics are determined. In the absence of dedicated flight instrumentation, a method for measuring control surface deflections is devised and tested in flight. The resulting aerodynamic model demonstrates robust performance in prediction of the CX, CZ and Cn dimensionless forces and moment, while the Cl moment estimation remains rather weak. The engine model power estimation closely follows software predicted values.
Related dataset 4TU.ResearchData:
https://doi.org/10.4121/a74d4324-ce07-45a9-9e9a-d4177e733a0b

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