A survey of hybrid Unmanned Aerial Vehicles

This article presents a comprehensive overview on the recent advances of miniature hybrid Unmanned Aerial
Vehicles (UAVs). For now, two conventional types, i.e., fixed-wing UAV and Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL)
UAV, dominate the miniature UAVs. Each type has its own inherent limitations on flexibility, payload, flight
range, cruising speed, takeoff and landing requirements and endurance. Enhanced popularity and interest are
recently gained by the newer type, named hybrid UAV, that integrates the beneficial features of both conventional
ones. In this survey paper, a systematic categorization method for the hybrid UAV’s platform designs is introduced,
first presenting the technical features and representative examples. Next, the hybrid UAV’s flight dynamics
model and flight control strategies are explained addressing several representative modeling and control work. In
addition, key observations, existing challenges and conclusive remarks based on the conducted review are discussed
accordingly.