Star Vision Technologies
1 July 2004 – 31 December 2004
Total award $38,000
A high fidelity Autonomous Air Refueling (AAR) simulation will mitigate the risk associated with these demonstrations, particularly the air-to-ground and air-to-air flight tests. While simulations of individual components, such as the VisNav sensor, have already been implemented, no comprehensive simulation has been created that realistically captures the behavior of the combined AAR system (sensors, controller, tanker, and receiver). Such a simulation will allow for the identification and resolution of system deficiencies before flight testing, where unforeseen problems are more costly in terms of schedule and budget.
The simulation will be able to test scenarios involving various tanker and receiver vehicle relative range and velocities, various lighting conditions, and disturbance effects. It will be used to:
- Validate the adequacy of the VisNav navigation solution
- Validate the proposed controller in terms of performance and robustness
- Generate a set of operating conditions where the system is expected to perform.
Specific tasks and research objectives:
- Creat simulation master plan, which will define the overall architecture and internal structure of the simulation, as well as the function and interfaces of each component. It will specify the programming language (Matlab, Simulink, C, etc.) and programming style, define global variables, and outline the required documentation for the each piece of the simulation.
- Develop high fidelity model of the VisNav system, which will be used to validate the adequacy of the VisNav navigation solution for AAR. This model will include realistic sensor noise, field of view considerations, and provisions for various lighting conditions. The model will be validated using experimental data and/or existing VisNav simulations.
- The linear state-space model of the Maxdrone obtained in Phase 0 will be modified to include the effects of the triangle boom assembly. The flying qualities of the tanker and boom assembly will be analyzed. If necessary, an autopilot that will allow the tanker to maintain steady, level trim during the docking maneuver will be designed. The tanker model and autopilot will then be incorporated into the simulation as specified by the master plan.
- Design a feedback controller to maintain stability during flight. The receiver model and autopilot will then be incorporated into the simulation as specified by the master plan.
- Evaluate options for integrating the VisNav sensor into the Air Dominator vehicle and conduct simulation and analysis for each configuration option.
- Test and Evaluate Simulation.
- Document results.
Working with me on this program are Graduate Research Assistants:
- Changwha Cho
- Roshawn Bowers
- Jeff Morris
- Tom Wagner