An unmanned aerial vehicle optimal selection methodology for object tracking

Abstract

In this article, an optimal method of unmanned aerial vehicle selection for following a moving ground target is presented. The most suitable unmanned aerial vehicle from an aircraft operating fleet is selected for tracking task. The aircraft choice is done taking regarding the unmanned aerial vehicle distribution in the mission zone, individual performance of fleet platforms, and maneuverability of a ground platform. The unmanned aerial vehicle fleet members' flying qualities are various, so an optimization process is used to assign an aircraft to follow the ground target. A target trajectory prediction is embedded in tracking algorithm. The simulation results demonstrated the effectiveness of algorithms developed, and in-flight demonstration proved the possibility of realization of computed trajectories by the unmanned aerial vehicle.