Title: AI-based calibration of 8-beam LiDAR for fault detection in fixed-wing UAV flaps

Authors: Velmurugan Srinivasan; J.V. Sai Prasanna Kumar

Addresses: Department of Aeronautical Engineering, School of Mechanical and Construction, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, No. 42, Avadi – Vel Tech Road, Avadi, Chennai, 600062, India ' Department of Aeronautical Engineering, School of Mechanical and Construction, Vel Tech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science and Technology, No. 42, Avadi – Vel Tech Road, Avadi, Chennai, 600062, India

Abstract: Flap deflection monitoring plays a significant role in flight safety of the fixed-wing UAVs. The proposed research lies on a low-cost, lightweight framework with high-fidelity sensing capability of flap aerodynamics using LiDAR. Experimental validation of the system is carried out in a controlled environment in a laboratory where the LiDAR monitors the motion of the flaps by means of a variation in a known flat. It is small, has a wide horizontal FOV which makes it suited to on-board and real-time monitoring. A Python calibration algorithm takes care of the offset bias, sensor tilt, noise, based on distance normalisation, symmetry, outlier removal and smoothing. A post-calibration of the LiDAR data leads to a smoothing and a symmetrical data, which enables a separation of the flap deflection and noise on the sensors. The method will make the UAV safer by recognising faults that can be detected using lightweight and non-redundant sensors.

Keywords: unmanned aerial vehicle; UAV; LiDAR; flap detection; calibration; fault tolerance; sensor alignment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSA.2026.153295

International Journal of Sustainable Aviation, 2026 Vol.12 No.1, pp.57 - 74

Received: 04 Aug 2025
Accepted: 28 Dec 2025
Published online: 01 May 2026 *

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