V-Model Systematic Design of Fixed-Wing Air Taxis Regarding Aerodynamic Performance Improvement

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Assistant Professor, Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science Research & Technology, Tehran, Iran.

2 Aerospace Department, Aerospace Research Institute, Ministry of Science, Research and Technology, Tehran, Iran

Abstract
The design of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicles faces numerous challenges during the conceptual phase and subsystem integration due to their multidisciplinary nature and technical complexities. To address these challenges, this study presents a systems engineering framework based on the V-Model for a fixed-wing air taxi. The primary innovation of this approach lies in establishing a structured development process that ensures full Requirements Traceability Matrix (RTM) through continuous verification and validation at each stage, thereby reducing the risk of non-compliance with initial requirements by 40% .To evaluate efficacy, the performance of this model was compared against a traditional design method. In the traditional approach, engineering disciplines such as aerodynamics and propulsion are optimized sequentially with limited integration. This disjointed approach often leads to sub-optimal system-level performance due to the neglect of key interdisciplinary couplings. Numerical results from this comparison demonstrate that the design based on the V-Model achieved a flight endurance of 89 minutes (56% improvement), a range of 95 km (55.4% improvement), and a 35.6% reduction in cruise power consumption. Furthermore, this approach resulted in an 8.0% reduction in final weight and a 25.9% saving in manufacturing costs. These findings prove the effectiveness of the V-Model as a powerful framework for the optimal and reliable development of complex aerial systems.

Keywords

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Volume 4, Issue 3
Winter 2026
Pages 24-47

  • Receive Date 01 August 2025
  • Revise Date 19 February 2026
  • Accept Date 30 December 2025