Optimization of beamforming and path planning for UAV-assisted wireless relay networks

Recently, unmanned aerial vehicles （UAVs） acting as relay platforms have attracted considerable attention due to the advantages of extending coverage and improving connectivity for long-range communications. Specifically, in the scenario where the access point （AP） is mobile, a UAV needs to find an efficient path to guarantee the connectivity of the relay link. Motivated by this fact, this paper proposes an optimal design for beamforming （BF） and UAV path planning. First of all, we study a dual-hop amplify-and-forward （AF） wireless relay network, in which a UAV is used as relay between a mobile AP and a fixed base station （BS）. In the network, both of the AP and the BS are equipped with multiple antennas, whereas the UAV has a single antenna. Then, we obtain the output signal~to-noise ratio （SNR） of the dual-hop relay network. Based on the criterion of maximizing the output SNR, we develop an optimal design to obtain the solution of the optimal BF weight vector and the UAV heading angle. Next, we derive the closed-form outage probability （OP） expression to investigate the performance of the dual-hop relay network conveniently. Finally, computer simulations show that the proposed approach can obtain nearly optimal flying path and OP performance, indicating the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, we find that increasing the antenna number at the BS or the maximal heading angle can significantly improve the performance of the considered relay network.     

A new modeling scheme for powered parafoil unmanned aerial vehicle platforms: Theory and experiments

A novel framework is established for accurate modeling of Powered Parafoil Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (PPUAV). The model is developed in the following three steps: obtaining a linear dynamic model, simplifying the model structure, and estimating the model mismatch due to model variance and external disturbance factors. First, a six degree-of-freedom linear model, or the structured model, is obtained through dynamic establishment and linearization. Second, the data correlation analysis is adopted to determine the criterion for proper model complexity and to simplify the structured model. Next, an active model is established, combining the simplified model with the model mismatch estimator. An adapted Kalman filter is utilized for the real-time estimation of states and model mismatch. We finally derive a linear system model while taking into account of model variance and external disturbance. Actual flight tests verify the effectiveness of our active model in different flight scenarios.     

Computational engineering analysis of external geometrical modifications on MQ-1 unmanned combat aerial vehicle

This paper focuses on the effects of external geometrical modifications on the aerodynamic characteristics of the MQ-1 predator Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) using computational fluid dynamics. The investigations are performed for 16 flight conditions at an altitude of 7.6 km and at a constant speed of 56.32 m/s. Two models are analysed, namely the baseline model and the model with external geometrical modifications installed on it. Both the models are investigated for various angles of attack from −4° to 16°, angles of bank from 0° to 6° and angles of yaw from 0° to 4°. Due to the unavailability of any experimental (wind tunnel or flight test) data for this UCAV in the literature, a thorough verification of calculations process is presented to demonstrate confidence level in the numerical simulations. The analysis quantifies the loss of lift and increase in drag for the modified version of the MQ-1 predator UCAV along with the identification of stall conditions. Local improvement (in drag) of up to 96% has been obtained by relocating external modifications, whereas global drag force reduction of roughly 0.5% is observed. The effects of external geometrical modifications on the control surfaces indicate the blanking phenomenon and reduction in forces on the control surfaces that can reduce the aerodynamic performance of the UCAV.     

Distributed intelligent self-organized mission planning of multi-UAV for dynamic targets cooperative search-attack

This article studies the cooperative search-attack mission problem with dynamic targets and threats, and presents a Distributed Intelligent Self-Organized Mission Planning (DISOMP) algorithm for multiple Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (multi-UAV). The DISOMP algorithm can be divided into four modules: a search module designed based on the distributed Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm, an attack module designed based on the Parallel Approach (PA) scheme, a threat avoidance module designed based on the Dubins Curve (DC) and a communication module designed for information exchange among the multi-UAV system and the dynamic environment. A series of simulations of multi-UAV searching and attacking the moving targets are carried out, in which the search-attack mission completeness, execution efficiency and system suitability of the DISOMP algorithm are analyzed. The simulation results exhibit that the DISOMP algorithm based on online distributed down-top strategy is characterized by good flexibility, scalability and adaptability, in the dynamic targets searching and attacking problem.     

基于3DS MAX模型的无人直升机实时监控系统三维建模

分析OpenGL中三维建模的主要方法,结合共轴式无人直升机实时监控飞行系统的设计需要,得出利用3DS MAX的输出模型进行三维建模可以大大提高效率。分析3DS MAX主要输出文件的结构,指出OpenGL建模所需的要素。设计并实现了3DS MAX到OpenGL的模型转换模块,能够分离出3DS MAX场景中的三维模型,为在实时监控系统中再现3DS模型并构造监控飞行系统的三维场景提供灵活性。     

Civil unmanned aircraft system operation in national airspace: A survey from Air Navigation Service Provider perspective

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) have advanced technologically and surged exponentially over recent years. Currently, due to safety concerns, most civil operations of UAS are conducted in low-level uncontrolled area or in segregated controlled airspace. As the industry progresses, both operational and technological capabilities have matured to the point where UASs are expected to gain greater freedom of access to both controlled and uncontrolled airspace. Extensive technical and regulatory surveys have been conducted to enable the expanded operations. However, most surveys are derived from the perspective of UAS own operating mechanism and barely consider interactions of their non-segregated activities with the Air Traffic Management (ATM) system. Hence, to fill the gap, this paper presents a survey conducted from the perspective of Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP), which serves to accommodate these new entrants to the overall national airspace while continuing flight safety and efficiency. The primary objectives of this paper are to: (A) describe what typical ANSP-supplied UAS Traffic Management (UTM) architecture is required to facilitate all types of civil UAS operations; (B) identify three major ANSP considerations on how UAS can be accommodated safely in civil airspace; (C) outline future directions and challenges related with UAS operations for the ANSP.     

某大型低温运载火箭无人值守加注发射技术研究

针对提升和保障航天发射人员安全问题,提出了低温运载火箭无人值守加注发射(CLVUFL)的理念和内涵.通过国内外代表性CLVUFL的技术对比,发现国内低温火箭加注发射应用CLVUFL技术存在箭地接口复杂、加注发射时间较长、关键设备可靠性有待提高、智能化自动化程度不高等主要问题.针对某大型低温运载火箭加注发射流程,通过分析...     

空天体系对抗下未来战斗机发展的一些思考

本文从在未来作战体系中对传统意义上的战斗机有无存在的必要性,未来战斗机的主要作战使命,发展思路,主要特征,使用方式等方面对未来战斗机的特征进行了一些概念性研究和描述。在此基础上,对未来变体战斗机、无人战斗机(UCAV)、未来变体UCAV的关键技术等进行了初步的分析。     

Adaptive path planning for unmanned aerial vehicles based on bi-level programming and variable planning time interval

This paper presents an adaptive path planner for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to adapt a real-time path search procedure to variations and fluctuations of UAVs’ relevant performances, with respect to sensory capability, maneuverability, and flight velocity limit. On the basis of a novel adaptability-involved problem statement, bi-level programming (BLP) and variable planning step techniques are introduced to model the necessary path planning components and then an adaptive path planner is developed for the purpose of adaptation and optimization. Additionally, both probabilistic-risk-based obstacle avoidance and performance limits are described as path search constraints to guarantee path safety and navigability. A discrete-search-based path planning solution, embedded with four optimization strategies, is especially designed for the planner to efficiently generate optimal flight paths in complex operational spaces, within which different surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) are deployed. Simulation results in challenging and stochastic scenarios firstly demonstrate the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed planner, and then verify its great adaptability and relative stability when planning optimal paths for a UAV with changing or fluctuating performances.     

无人车基于激光雷达/视觉的目标体积自动测量方法

近些年,基于激光雷达和视觉的目标感知在无人系统中得到了广泛应用。目标的体积测量在很多应用场景可以发挥极其重要的作用,然而对识别感知目标的体积测量,目前尚无大量研究。首次提出了一种基于激光雷达/视觉的无人车目标体积自动测量方法,实现了无人车与目标体积测量功能的结合。通过在LeGO-LOAM算法中加入点云畸变补偿,相较于原始LeGO-LOAM算法,无人车在高速情况下的构图精度得到提升;通过将激光雷达与视觉进行深度融合,实现了目标的自动识别与全局定位;通过基于平面拟合的地面分割与欧式聚类,实现了目标点云轮廓的实时获取;通过设计一种基于切片法的不规则物体体积测量方法,实现了无人车在运动情况下对目标体积的自动估计。最终,分别通过Gazebo仿真和实际试验验证了算法的有效性。试验结果表明,所提算法在无人车运动的情况下对静态目标物的实时体积测量精度优于3%,具有较好的工程应用价值。