This paper addresses the path planning problem of multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The paths are planned to maximize collected amount of information from desired regions (DRs), while avoiding forbidden regions (FRs) and reaching the destination. This study focuses on maximizing collected information instead of minimizing total mission time, as in previous studies. The problem is solved by a genetic algorithm (GA) with the proposal of novel evolutionary operators. The initial populations are generated from a seed-path for each UAV. The seed-paths are obtained both by utilizing the pattern search method and by solving the multiple-Traveling Salesman Problem (mTSP). Utilizing the mTSP solves both the visiting sequences of DRs and the assignment problem of 'which DR should be visited by which UAV?' All of the paths in the population in any generation of the GA are constructed using a dynamical UAV model. Simulations are realized in a MATLAB/Simulink environment for different mission scenarios and the results provide physically realizable flight paths, which visit DRs and avoid FRs. Real-world experiments are conducted by using small UAVs, which are constructed by autopilot integration on model airplanes. Flight tests performed based on simulated scenarios proved beneficial in maximizing the collected amount of information for multiple UAV missions.
In this study, design and analysis of a mode-switching vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with level flight capability is considered. The design of the platform includes both multirotor and fixed-wing (FW) conventional airplane structures; therefore named as VTOL-FW. The aircraft is modeled using aerodynamical principles including post-stall conditions. Trim conditions are obtained by solving constrained optimization problems. Linear analysis techniques are utilized for trim conditions in examining stability and controllability. The proposed method for control includes implementation of multirotor and airplane mode controllers and an algorithm to switch between them in achieving transitions between VTOL and FW flight modes. Thus, VTOL-FW UAV's flight characteristics are expected to be improved by enlarging operational flight envelope through enabling mode-switching, agile maneuvers, and increasing survivability. Simulations and flight tests showed that VTOL-FW UAV demonstrates multirotor and airplane flight characteristics with extra benefits.
Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are remotely piloted or self-piloted aircrafts that can carry cameras, sensors, communication equipment and other payloads. Tiltrotor UAVs provide a unique platform that fulfills the needs for ever-changing mission requirements, by combining the desired features of hovering like a helicopter and reaching high forward speeds like an airplane, which might be a force multiplier in the battlefield. In this paper, the conceptual design and aerodynamical model of a realizable small-sized Tiltrotor UAV are presented, and the linearized state-space models are obtained around the trim points for airplane, helicopter and conversion modes. Controllers are designed using tracking optimal control method and gain scheduling is employed to obtain a simulation for the whole flight envelope. An interactive software infrastructure is established for the design, analysis and simulation phases, based on the theoretical concepts.
Abstract. In this study, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) with level flight, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) and mode-changing capability is analysed. The platform design combines both multirotor and fixed-wing (FW) conventional airplane structures and control surfaces; therefore, named as VTOL-FW. The aircraft is modelled using aerodynamical principles and linear models are constructed utilizing small perturbation theory for trim conditions. The proposed method of control includes implementation of multirotor and airplane mode controllers and design of an algorithm to transition between modes in achieving smooth switching manoeuvres between VTOL and FW flight. Thus, VTOL-FW UAV's flight characteristics are expected to be improved by enlarging operational flight envelope through enabling mode-transitioning, agile manoeuvres and increasing survivability. Experiments conducted in simulation and real world environments show that, VTOL-FW UAV has both multirotor and airplane characteristics with extra benefits in an enlarged flight envelope.
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