Authors: Naoum Tsolakis

Title: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Techno-economic Feasibility Studies: An Illustrative Real-world Case Study

Abstract

The aim of the present research is to provide a business plan about the first Hellenic Civil Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (HCUAV) that was proposed as a viable solution to undertake missions towards tackling the challenges of both illegal migration and wildfires. Firstly, the study presents a detailed analysis of the cost elements associated with the entire spectrum of the drone’s development phases, including: aerodynamics and structural analysis, design, construction and flight testing. Secondly, we provide a business plan that identifies market opportunities for the medium-altitude long-endurance HCUAV, including the detailed techno-economic analysis and a promotion strategy for the long-term horizon to maximize the drone’s market success. The market scenario analyses demonstrate that the HCUAV could be commercially viable as it combines state-of-the-art technologies with multiplicity of functional capabilities to deliver operational excellence.