The technology behind FF Twin
FF Twin combines physics-based models, state-of-the-art aerodynamic research and system-level optimisation on one UAV development platform.
Rather than analysing each component in isolation, the model treats the UAV as one connected system — where geometry, airflow, propulsion, energy and control influence each other.
A UAV is not a collection of independent components.
Propellers, motors, batteries, fuselage, payload and control systems all affect each other. FF Twin models the UAV as one connected system, so a change in one parameter can be evaluated in relation to the complete vehicle.
Where is the energy actually going?
Measuring total power tells you how much energy the UAV uses. FF Twin helps explain where that energy is going — and therefore where the design can be improved.
- Induced power (Pi) — energy used to generate lift.
- Profile power (Pr) — losses caused by drag on the propeller blades.
- Parasitic power (Pa) — drag from the fuselage, arms, payload and other non-propeller components.
- Electric power (Pe) — losses from the electrical powertrain or other propulsion system.
FF Twin decomposes the energy use into physically different sources, including:
The point is not only to measure energy consumption, but to identify where the losses occur and where the improvement potential lies.
Fast enough to design with
High-fidelity tools can provide very detailed results, but they are often too slow and specialist-intensive for continuous design iteration.
FF Twin uses purpose-built models for UAV development, allowing configurations to be evaluated and compared fast enough to become part of the design loop, and sufficiently accurate to represent the aircraft with the required accuracy.
For example, many simplified UAV models often ignore the aerodynamic interactions between the propellers themselves, and other aerodynamic components. Including these in the simulation allows FF Twin to accurately prediction the flow conditions on each propeller, making further optimisation and tuning possible.
From modelling to utilization
The model does not stop at the simulation stage. In contrast to the typical fragmented design process, FF Twin reuses the same model throughout the UAV's lifecycle, from its initial design and optimisation all the way to autonomous mission execution and predictive maintenance.
Built on research. Developed for engineering.
FF Twin's modelling approach builds on aerodynamic and control expertise gathered by co-founder Finn Matras during his PhD at NTNU and work as a consultant in the field, including work on dynamic inflow, rotor interactions, airloads and multirotor control, and aims to fill the gap between theoretical research and practical engineering.
Want to see how various parts of a UAV affect eachother?
Explore the platform →