Long distance/duration trajectory optimization for small UAVs

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

50 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents a system for autonomous soaring flight by small and micro uninhabited aerial vehicles. It combines a prediction of wind field with a trajectory planner a decision-making block, a low-level flight controller and sensors such as Global Positioning System and air data sensors to enable exploitation of atmospheric energy using thermals wave, and orographic lift or dynamic soaring. The major focus of this research is on exploiting orographic (i.e. slope or ridge) lift to enable long ducation, long distance flights by a small autonomous uninhabited aerial vehicle (UAV). This paper presents a methodology to generate optimal trajectories that utilize the vertical component of wind to enable flights that would otherwise be impossible given the performance constraints of the UAV. A point mass model is used to model the aircraft and a polynomial function which includes both horizontal and vertical variations in wind speed is used to model the wind field. Both vehicle kinematic and minimum altitude constraints are included. Results for a test case (crossing the Altoona Gap in Pennsylvania's Bald Eagle Ridge) are presented for both minimum time and maximum final energy trajectories.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference 2007
PublisherAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc.
Pages3654-3667
Number of pages14
ISBN (Print)1563479044, 9781563479045
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
EventAIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference 2007 - Hilton Head, SC, United States
Duration: Aug 20 2007Aug 23 2007

Publication series

NameCollection of Technical Papers - AIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference 2007
Volume4

Other

OtherAIAA Guidance, Navigation, and Control Conference 2007
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityHilton Head, SC
Period8/20/078/23/07

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Control and Systems Engineering
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering

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