Development and Flight Validation of Proposed Unmanned Aerial System Handling Qualities Requirements

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina M. Ivler ◽  
Kevin Truong ◽  
Declan Kerwin ◽  
Joel Otomize ◽  
Danielle Parmer ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
Performance Standards ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Performance Standard ◽  
Great Promise ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Dynamic Scaling ◽  
Scoring Method ◽  
Handling Qualities ◽  
Aerial Systems

Unmanned aerial systems, commonly known as drones, present new opportunities to perform autonomous tasks. Handling qualities requirements for manned vertical lift aircraft have been well defined and documented. The need to define handling qualities requirements for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial systems (UAS) to meet mission demands is of paramount importance for all potential operators and procurement agencies. One way to relate handling qualities specifications of large-scale manned and subscale unmanned aircraft is through Froude dynamic scaling. Froude dynamic scaling based on hub-to-hub distance has shown great promise in relating the natural frequencies of scaled multicopters. There have been recent efforts to develop a VTOL-UAS handling qualities standard by scaling mission task elements and rating their performance through a Trajectory, Tracking, and Aggression (TTA) score. This paper proposes a new performance standard adapted from the TTA scoring method, along with a modified Cooper–Harper scale as a VTOL-UAS handling qualities framework that is consistent with the spirit of Aeronautical Design Standard 33 (ADS-33). These newly proposed performance standards were then validated through simulation and flight testing on a small hexacopter UAS, flown at the University of Portland. A key outcome of this work is the flight verification of a key dynamic response metric, the disturbance rejection bandwidth, and associated validation of Froude scaling for predicted handling qualities metrics.

scholarly journals Method to Characterize Potential UAS Encounters Using Open Source Data

Aerospace ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (11) ◽  
pp. 158
Author(s):  
Andrew Weinert
Keyword(s):  
Open Source ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Geospatial Information ◽  
Open Source Data ◽  
Source Data ◽  
Aircraft Trajectories ◽  
Processing Techniques ◽  
Aerial Systems

As unmanned aerial systems (UASs) increasingly integrate into the US national airspace system, there is an increasing need to characterize how commercial and recreational UASs may encounter each other. To inform the development and evaluation of safety critical technologies, we demonstrate a methodology to analytically calculate all potential relative geometries between different UAS operations performing inspection missions. This method is based on a previously demonstrated technique that leverages open source geospatial information to generate representative unmanned aircraft trajectories. Using open source data and parallel processing techniques, we performed trillions of calculations to estimate the relative horizontal distance between geospatial points across sixteen locations.

scholarly journals Experimental Comparison of Direct and Active Throttle Control of a 7 kW Turboelectric Power System for Unmanned Aircraft

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (22) ◽  
pp. 10608
Author(s):  
Johnathan Burgess ◽  
Timothy Runnels ◽  
Joshua Johnsen ◽  
Joshua Drake ◽  
Kurt Rouser
Keyword(s):  
Transient Behavior ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Experimental Comparison ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Operational Parameters ◽  
Turbine Engine ◽  
Control Scheme ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Electric Loads

This article compares direct turbine throttle control and active turbine throttle control for a turboelectric system; the featured turboprop is rated for 7 kW of shaft output power. The powerplant is intended for applications in unmanned aerial systems and requires a control system to produce different amounts of power for varying mission legs. The most straightforward control scheme explored is direct turbine control, which is characterized by the pilot controlling the throttle of the turbine engine. In contrast, active control is characterized by the turbine reacting to the power demanded by the electric motors or battery recharge cycle. The transient response to electric loads of a small-scale turboelectric system is essential in identifying and characterizing such a system’s safe operational parameters. This paper directly compares the turbogenerator’s transient behavior to varying electric loads and categorizes its dynamic response. A proportional, integral, and derivative (PID) control algorithm was utilized as an active throttle controller through a microcontroller with battery power augmentation for the turboelectric system. This controller manages the turbine’s throttle reactions in response to any electric load when applied or altered. By comparing the system’s response with and without the controller, the authors provide a method to safely minimize the response time of the active throttle controller for use in the real-world environment of unmanned aircraft.

Detection of Conflicts Between ADS-B-Equipped Aircraft and Unmanned Aerial Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2674 (1) ◽  
pp. 197-204
Author(s):  
John H. Mott ◽  
Zachary A. Marshall ◽  
Mark A. Vandehey ◽  
Mike May ◽  
Darcy M. Bullock
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Low Cost ◽  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Sensor Technology ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Aircraft Flight ◽  
Flight Operations ◽  
Aerial Systems ◽  
Operational Simplicity

Versatile unmanned aerial system (UAS) platforms have grown significantly in popularity by virtue of their low cost relative to manned aircraft, high performance, and operational simplicity. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) currently regulates the operating altitudes, speeds, weights, pilot qualifications, and locations of drones, a lack of capacity and technology prohibits sufficient enforcement of these restrictions. To assess the frequency and severity of manned and unmanned aircraft separation incidents, and to examine the emerging sensor technology available to facilitate such assessment, flight operations in controlled airspace around Orlando Melbourne International Airport (KMLB) were monitored. One sensor system deployed at KMLB reported UAS locations, altitudes, and flight durations, while a second system reported manned aircraft positions, altitudes, and timestamps using ADS-B signals. Evaluation of flight operations data in the vicinity of KMLB revealed eight potential drone incursions over a 2-week period. Aircraft flight paths were retroactively tracked to map these unmanned and manned aerial conflicts; aircraft identification information was also researched to contextualize the incidents. The frequency and magnitude of identified events suggest the need for additional research to further explore the problem scope and potential solutions.

scholarly journals PARADIGM OF RESISTANCE TO INTELLIGENCE AND IMPACT UNLIMITED AIRCRAFT COMPLEXES

2020 ◽  
pp. 73-90
Author(s):  
D. A. Ishchenco ◽  
V. A. Kyryliuk ◽  
S. D. Ishchenco ◽  
L. M. Maryshchuk
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Subject Area ◽  
Unmanned Vehicles ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Military Equipment ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Aerial Vehicles ◽  
Aerial Systems

The work shows the relevance of the problem of countering reconnaissance and strike unmanned aircraft systems and the need to improve the scientific and methodological support of its solution according to a certain corresponding paradigm. In the work as a paradigm of countering unmanned aerial systems, it is proposed to consider a conceptual theoretical and methodological model of combating unmanned aerial vehicles, which currently provides opportunities for identifying the problems of developing forces and means of countering unmanned aerial systems. The developed paradigm of counteraction can be an element of scientific and methodological support, contributes to the solution of the problem of the complex use of forces and means of counteraction to reconnaissance and strike unmanned aircraft systems in order to acquire the capabilities of troops (forces) to perform tasks as intended in the conditions of the use of unmanned vehicles. The recognition of such a paradigm by specialists determines that their activities are based on the accepted model of countering unmanned aircraft systems, using the same rules and standards established in the industry. The generality and consistency of approaches that they provide are prerequisites for ensuring the required scientific level of a certain direction of research. The proposed approach outlines the tasks, content, components, principles of assessment of means of counteraction to unmanned aerial vehicles by contributing to the effectiveness of the system of protection of the object from reconnaissance and strike (shock) systems of the enemy, which systematizes knowledge in the subject area. problems of modern armed struggle. The prospect of further research is to clarify the mathematical calculations in accordance with the characteristics of troops (forces), military facility, protection system against reconnaissance and strike (strike) unmanned aerial vehicles of the enemy and samples of military equipment that are part of it.

scholarly journals Observations of the atmosphere and surface state over Terra Nova Bay, Antarctica, using unmanned aerial systems

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 115-126 ◽  
Author(s):  
John J. Cassano ◽  
Mark W. Seefeldt ◽  
Scott Palo ◽  
Shelley L. Knuth ◽  
Alice C. Bradley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ross Sea ◽  
The United States ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Free Access ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Terra Nova Bay ◽  
Atmospheric State ◽  
Terra Nova ◽  
Aerial Systems

Abstract. In September 2012 five Aerosonde unmanned aircraft were used to make measurements of the atmospheric state over the Terra Nova Bay polynya, Antarctica, to explore the details of air–sea ice–ocean coupling. A total of 14 flights were completed in September 2012. Ten of the flight missions consisted of two unmanned aerial systems (UAS) sampling the atmosphere over Terra Nova Bay on 5 different days, with one UAS focusing on the downwind evolution of the air mass and a second UAS flying transects roughly perpendicular to the low-level winds. The data from these coordinated UAS flights provide a comprehensive three-dimensional data set of the atmospheric state (air temperature, humidity, pressure, and wind) and surface skin temperature over Terra Nova Bay. The remaining UAS flights during the September 2012 field campaign included two local flights near McMurdo Station for flight testing, a single UAS flight to Terra Nova Bay, and a single UAS flight over the Ross Ice Shelf and Ross Sea polynya. A data set containing the atmospheric and surface data as well as operational aircraft data have been submitted to the United States Antarctic Program Data Coordination Center (USAP-DCC, http://www.usap-data.org/) for free access (http://gcmd.nasa.gov/getdif.htm?NSF-ANT10-43657, doi:10.15784/600125).

An Efficient Pipeline for Crop Image Extraction and Vegetation Index Derivation Using Unmanned Aerial Systems

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (4) ◽  
pp. 1133-1146
Author(s):  
Beichen Lyu ◽  
Stuart D. Smith ◽  
Yexiang Xue ◽  
Katy M. Rainey ◽  
Keith Cherkauer
Keyword(s):  
Data Processing ◽  
High Throughput ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Vegetation Index ◽  
Vegetation Indices ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Growth Stages ◽  
Processing Pipeline ◽  
High Throughput Phenotyping ◽  
Aerial Systems

HighlightsThis study addresses two computational challenges in high-throughput phenotyping: scalability and efficiency.Specifically, we focus on extracting crop images and deriving vegetation indices using unmanned aerial systems.To this end, we outline a data processing pipeline, featuring a crop localization algorithm and trie data structure.We demonstrate the efficacy of our approach by computing large-scale and high-precision vegetation indices in a soybean breeding experiment, where we evaluate soybean growth under water inundation and temporal change.Abstract. In agronomy, high-throughput phenotyping (HTP) can provide key information for agronomists in genomic selection as well as farmers in yield prediction. Recently, HTP using unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has shown advantages in both cost and efficiency. However, scalability and efficiency have not been well studied when processing images in complex contexts, such as using multispectral cameras, and when images are collected during early and late growth stages. These challenges hamper further analysis to quantify phenotypic traits for large-scale and high-precision applications in plant breeding. To solve these challenges, our research team previously built a three-step data processing pipeline, which is highly modular. For this project, we present improvements to the previous pipeline to improve canopy segmentation and crop plot localization, leading to improved accuracy in crop image extraction. Furthermore, we propose a novel workflow based on a trie data structure to compute vegetation indices efficiently and with greater flexibility. For each of our proposed changes, we evaluate the advantages by comparison with previous models in the literature or by comparing processing results using both the original and improved pipelines. The improved pipeline is implemented as two MATLAB programs: Crop Image Extraction version 2 (CIE 2.0) and Vegetation Index Derivation version 1 (VID 1.0). Using CIE 2.0 and VID 1.0, we compute canopy coverage and normalized difference vegetation indices (NDVIs) for a soybean phenotyping experiment. We use canopy coverage to investigate excess water stress and NDVIs to evaluate temporal patterns across the soybean growth stages. Both experimental results compare favorably with previous studies, especially for approximation of soybean reproductive stage. Overall, the proposed methodology and implemented experiments provide a scalable and efficient paradigm for applying HTP with UAS to general plant breeding. Keywords: Data processing pipeline, High-throughput phenotyping, Image processing, Soybean breeding, Unmanned aerial systems, Vegetation indices.

Controlling Multiple Unmanned Aircraft from a Manned Helicopter: The Need for Advanced Autonomy and Refined Pilot-Vehicle Interface

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-82 ◽  
Author(s):  
Grant S. Taylor ◽  
Thomas J. Alicia ◽  
Terry Turpin ◽  
Amit Surana
Keyword(s):  
Supervisory Control ◽  
Situational Awareness ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Current Ratio ◽  
One To One ◽  
Aerial Systems

Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) is a military concept that employs unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in support of traditional manned aircraft. The current ratio of manned to unmanned aircraft in MUM-T operations is one to one with a goal to expand to multiple UASs to further enhance the capability, but this imposes significant challenges on the operator. To address these challenges, this research implemented automated UAS behaviors combined with a pilot-vehicle interface tailored to provide supervisory control over multiple UASs. Results demonstrated that this combination of technologies allows a single crewmember to effectively manage up to three UASs while executing complex MUM-T tactical missions with manageable workload, improved situational awareness, and improved mission performance. Experimental results also identified areas where the current implementations can be further refined.

scholarly journals Atmospheric Measurements with Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS)

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (11) ◽  
pp. 1208
Author(s):  
Marcelo I. Guzman
Keyword(s):  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft Systems ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Atmospheric Measurements ◽  
Aircraft Systems ◽  
Aerial Systems

This Special Issue provides the first literature collection focused on the development and implementation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and their integration with sensors for atmospheric measurements on Earth [...]

scholarly journals Use of a Value Model to Ethically Govern Various Applications of Small UAS

Drones ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Philpott ◽  
Benjamin Kwasa ◽  
Christina Bloebaum
Keyword(s):  
Federal Aviation Administration ◽  
Unmanned Aircraft ◽  
Unmanned Aerial Systems ◽  
Ethical Challenges ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Ethical Concerns ◽  
A Value ◽  
The Us ◽  
Value Model ◽  
Aerial Systems

Widespread use of small unmanned aircraft systems is becoming prominent in the US. From structural health monitoring to journalism, small unmanned aerial systems (sUAS) are allowing people to gain a view of their surroundings and conduct their jobs in ways like never before. With this come many ethical concerns that must be addressed before the sight of a sUAS flying overhead is a widely acceptable occurrence to a majority of the population. Currently, UAS operations used in civil airspace are governed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 rules, but these regulations do not address certain ethical considerations. This paper will use the concept of a value model to quantify these ethical concerns so that they may be encoded into the design of a UAS and evaluation of missions before the missions are conducted. This could prove valuable in addressing the ethical challenges that are faced when implementing unmanned aerial systems (UAS) operations into the airspace, especially when UASs are in airspace in densely populated areas.

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