UAVs and Control Delays
Abstract
UAV's (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) are remotely controlled. Delays in the datalinks are to be expected, potentially influencing the performance of the UAV operator. In this study, we examined literature on sources of delay, their effects on human performance, and potential solutions. Delays turn out in the range of 100 to 1600 ms. A delay of 100 ms usually leads to measurable degradation of human performance. Delays of about 250-300 ms often lead to unacceptable airplane handling qualities. Techniques such as filtering and predictive displays may extend the range of acceptable delays up to about 400 ms or more. Control of UAV sensors is considerably less critical than the UAV itself and compensation techniques will probably lead to acceptable performance with delays up to 1000 ms. Signal delays will not significantly impede control of the UAV in the case of line-of-sight connections or while using relay stations on or close to the earth. When geostationary satellites are used, delays will generally be so high that a UAV operator will generally operate in a supervisory role. Only the control of the sensors of the UAV, less critical than the control of the vehicle, may be handled directly by an operator.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2005
- Accession Number
- ADA454251
Entities
People
- S. C. De Vries