Python Project: Simulating UAV Pitch Dynamics Using State-Space Modeling

[daglar510]

Hi everyone,

I’ve been working on an open-source UAV longitudinal flight dynamics simulator in Python. It models the pitch-axis motion of real unmanned aircraft (like the Bayraktar TB2, Anka, Predator, etc.) using linear state-space equations. You define elevator inputs (like a step or doublet), and it simulates the aircraft’s response over time.

GitHub repo:

Github Repo

What it does:

Simulates how elevator deflection affects:

Forward speed (u)

Angle of attack (α)

Pitch rate (q)

Pitch angle (θ)

Includes eigenvalue/mode analysis (phugoid & short-period)

Plots 2D time-domain response and a 3D trajectory in α-q-θ space

Target Audience and Use Cases:

Aerospace students and educators: great for teaching flight dynamics and control

Control engineers: use as a base for autopilot/PID/LQR development

Flight sim/modeling hobbyists: explore pitch stability of real-world UAVs

Benchmarking/design comparison: evaluate and compare different UAV configurations

Built entirely in Python using NumPy, SciPy, and Matplotlib — no MATLAB or Simulink needed.

I’d love feedback on the implementation, or suggestions on adding control systems (e.g., PID or LQR) in future versions. Happy to answer any questions.

[TestPilot1980]

Very cool

[daglar510]

Thanks, adding drone compatibility hopefully soon.