A limitation in RPA ISR operations is loss of target track if the command link is severed. For an RPA to effectively execute the ISR mission without a command link, it needs the capability to F2T targets autonomously. Automated Find Fix and Track (AFFTRAC) was developed to help solve this problem by demonstrating a proof of concept tactical autopilot. Monocular stereo vision was used to process sequential images acquired during orbit to produce a partial structural point cloud of the original structure. This partial structural point cloud was then exploited to create a holding area density for the aircraft to stay within. A simple greedy algorithm exploited this holding area density to produce aircraft turn commands to approximate tactical ISR holding. The result was that imagery from existing MQ-9 sensors was used to provide command guidance to autonomously to maintain line of sight to a target. Overall, AFFTRAC is a promising initial framework for a tactical autopilot, but additional development is needed to mature component algorithms.
Automated Find Fix and Track with a Medium Altitude Long Endurance Remotely Piloted Aircraft
2021
194 pages
Report
No indication
English
Aeronautics , Aircraft , Air force , Aircrafts , Artificial intelligence , Computational science , Computer programming , Computer science , Computer vision , Control systems , Detection , Detectors , Ground control stations , Guidance , Image processing , Line of sight , Simultaneous localization and mapping , Unmanned aerial systems , Unmanned aerial vehicles
FULL-LENGTH PAPERS - Hybrid-Propulsion High-Altitude Long-Endurance Remotely Piloted Vehicle
Online Contents | 1999
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