Rapid Autopilot Prototyping for Minimally Modeled Aircraft

Abstract

The proposed project is highly experimental and will entail extensive software development, embedded code implementation, flight testing, data collection, and post-flight data analysis. A unique and challenging aspect of this project is the goal of analyzing the performance of the autopilot based entirely on flight data. The vehicles that we will fly will be only minimally modeled due to the lack of wind tunnel testing and CFD modeling. Consequently, no detailed model of the vehicle and itsaerodynamics will be available as a ~truth~ model for either autopilot design or post-flight data analysis. The analysis of an apparent success or failure of RCAC to compensate for unknown vehicle dynamics and aerodynamic conditions will therefore rely heavily on empirical modeling based on data recorded from on-board sensors. Within this framework, the scientific goal of this project is to experimentally assess the effectiveness of RCAC for rapid autopilot prototyping.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 25, 2019
Source ID
N000141912273

Entities

People

  • Dennis S. Bernstein

Organizations

  • Board of Regents of the University of Michigan
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Aviation Science / Aeronautics.
  • Robotics and Automation.
  • Systems Analysis and Design