Autonomous Flight Control Sensing Technology (AFCST) Program Phase I - Capability Goals and Sensing Requirements
Abstract
Lack of pilot vision and the resulting poor situational awareness has been a major limiting factor for unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) in terms of capability and safety. Tactical situation assessment includes evaluating such critical factors as weather, conflicting traffic, targets/threats and their locations, and perceiving spatial relationships to maintain formation or guide the aircraft through approach, landing, and subsequent terminal area operations. Obviously, this tremendously important capability represents a challenge for future UAV systems to operate in consonance with manned aircraft in both Federal Aviation Authority (FAA)-controlled airspace and military theaters where traditional visual flight rules (VFR) procedures are the norm. This paper describes AFCST Phase I program results, namely, prioritized future UAV capability goals and associated sensing requirements. AFCST sensor design drivers are also briefly discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA405581
Entities
People
- Thomas J. Molnar
- Won-zon Chen
Organizations
- Northrop Grumman