Optimal Design of a Small Multi-Purpose Fixed-Wing Flying Platform Based on Arduino Open-Source Hardware

Abstract

To address the limitations of traditional small fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), such as their fixed configuration, high structural integration, and difficulty in rapid reconfiguration based on mission requirements, this paper designs and implements a small intelligent multi-purpose fixed-wing flying platform based on Arduino open-source hardware. Centered on a high degree of structural modularity, the platform utilizes 3D printing rapid manufacturing technology and standardized mechanical and electrical interfaces to divide the airframe into multiple functional modules, enabling free combination and rapid assembly of different configurations. In terms of structural design, key load-bearing components and module interfaces were optimized to reduce overall weight while ensuring structural strength and stiffness, supporting flexible configurations such as V-tail, T-tail, and various wingspans and payload types. Regarding system implementation, an Arduino Nano serves as the core control unit, integrated with inertial measurement, barometric altitude, data storage, and LoRa wireless communication modules, constructing an open, low-cost flight control and data acquisition system. Through aerodynamic simulation analysis, 3D printing manufacturing, and ground testing validation, the results demonstrate that the platform possesses good structural stability, assembly efficiency, and configuration scalability, providing a reference for teaching experiments and multi-purpose validation.