Validating Airspace CFD Models For Drone Operation with Flight Test Data

Wind modelling of urban and airport sites is a crucial element in the new landscape of UAV operation and data systems. Accurate, highly localised wind models are critical to adoption, as are the wind measurement tools necessary to validate such models. We present here a comparison between RANS and IDDES CFD model results, static anemometer data and live flight trials of the SnapShot wind measurement nano-glider close to large buildings at Cardiff International Airport. The results indicate very good correlation between the CFD results and the experimental flight test data, demonstrating a route to accurate validation of localised flow models to aid future UAV operation.