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This work presents the development of a low-cost and low-power consumption vertical take-off and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (VTOL-UAV) with a simple and innovative design approach. The VTOL-UAV is capable of runway-independent flight and has the ability to carry payloads such as medical drug boxes. The hull volume of the UAV has been maximized to enhance its carrying capacity, while a three-rotor configuration has been implemented to simplify the design, reduce costs, extend flight time, and minimize weight. The wing-mounted rotors are strategically positioned in vertical and horizontal orientations to ensure stable flight during take-off, landing, and cruise phases. The wings are detachable, enabling rapid repairs in the event of accidents. Powered by an advanced flight controller, the VTOL-UAV is capable of autonomous flight, making it suitable for delivering supplies and medical provisions to remote, hazardous, or emergency areas. Moreover, the UAV has the capability to operate at higher altitudes, avoiding obstacles in urban transportation. Overall, this work demonstrates the feasibility of developing a cost-effective and efficient VTOL-UAV with a straightforward design approach for diverse applications, including medical delivery and urban transportation.
Cite this article as: K. Cicin, et al. "A compact 3-rotor VTOL development for medical drug transfer," Electrica, 24(1), 96-108, 2024.