Advancing UAV Wake Research with Automated Motion Capture and Flow Measurement
Advanced measurement technologies are enabling researchers to push the boundaries of scientific discovery. A prime example is the Extreme Environment Laboratory within the Digital Innovation Facility at the University of Liverpool, where an innovative experimental setup is providing new insights into the complex aerodynamics of hovering drones and helicopter models
Postdoctoral Research Associate, Dr Antonios Cene and the research team have combined an OptiTrack motion-capture system with a custom robot-assisted ProCap probe from streamwise GmbH to measure the wakes of medium-scale UAVs in indoor free-flight conditions.
The ProCap system integrates a programmable traverse with an automated ROS 2 MITI rover from Rover Robotics, allowing the probe to move safely and precisely through the aircraft wake without requiring personnel inside the measurement area. By tracking both the aircraft and the probe simultaneously, the team can compensate for aircraft motion and accurately reconstruct the wake relative to the vehicle.
Understanding these wake structures is becoming increasingly important as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations continue to evolve. At low altitudes, wake interactions, gusts and wind shear can influence aircraft stability, flight control and safe vehicle separation. High-quality experimental data such as this supports the development of more accurate aerodynamic models, improved flight-control systems and safer operating procedures.
Looking ahead, the team plans to expand its research to explore drone-to-drone wake interactions and investigate UAV operations over scaled urban terrain. These studies will provide valuable insight into how neighbouring aircraft wakes, buildings and complex low-altitude flow environments interact—helping to shape the next generation of safe and efficient autonomous flight.
As the sales channel partner for streamwise’s ProCap system, Evolution Measurement is proud to support researchers advancing the frontiers of aerospace measurement technology and looks forward to seeing the impact of this pioneering work.
For more details visit: www.EvolutionMeasurement.com
