Microprocessor-Based Digital Autopilot Development for the XBQM-106 Mini-RPV

Abstract

The development of a digital autopilot for the XBQM-106 Mini-Remotely Piloted Vehicle(RPV) is described. The design is based on the RCA CDP-1802 microprocessor with ultra-low component cost as a primary goal. The digital autopilot is developed through the breadboard stage, and performance testing is accomplished via hybrid simulation. First, aircraft transfer functions are derived from aerodynamic wind tunnel data. Then a complete control analysis is made of the existing analog autopilot, sensors, actuators, and aircraft dynamics. This is followed by synthesis of the digital algorithms(including a digital filter) by means of digitization. Hardware is selected based on system requirements, and hardware design details are included. Software to execute the digital algorithms is developed and described. The results of testing by hybrid simulation show that the performance of the digital autopilot is comparable to the existing analog autopilot. Finally, recommendations for the follow-on study are included.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Dec 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA064315

Entities

People

  • Dale E. Tietz
  • Olin D. Koger

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Cyber
  • Materials and Manufacturing Processes
  • Sensors
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aircrafts
  • Automatic Pilots
  • Computational Science
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Control Surfaces
  • Control Systems
  • Digital Filters
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Flight Control Systems
  • Flight Training
  • Hybrid Simulations
  • Industrial Engineering
  • Operating Systems
  • Remotely Piloted Vehicles

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Robotics and Automation.