CONTROL AND IN-FLIGHT DIAGNOSTIC OF B-52–TYPE AIRCRAFT
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Authors
Hogin, Benjamin W.
Subjects
autopilot
control
simulation
aerodynamics
B-52
stability
PID
Simulink
COTS
commercial-off-the-shelf
computing aerial release point
CARP
unmanned aerial vehicle
UAV
guidance
navigation
and control
GNC
control
simulation
aerodynamics
B-52
stability
PID
Simulink
COTS
commercial-off-the-shelf
computing aerial release point
CARP
unmanned aerial vehicle
UAV
guidance
navigation
and control
GNC
Advisors
Jones, Kevin D.
Dobrokhodov, Vladimir N.
Lizarraga , Mariano , MathWorks
Date of Issue
2020-06
Date
Publisher
Monterey, CA; Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
The democratization of rapidly advancing drone technology has enabled access to a warfare space previously denied to malicious actors with limited resources. This thesis explores potential weaponization of commercial-off-the-shelf (COTS) autopilot units, for use in a ballistic aerial delivery mission by adopting the well-established approach of a computed aerial release point (CARP). Simulation of a model B-52 aircraft equipped with a COTS autopilot to deliver a payload to the CARP was used to establish the prerequisite technological and expertise requirements inherent in achieving desired performance of the CARP mission, despite adverse flight conditions. The current state of the art in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hardware, sensors, and navigation algorithms was evaluated and used to inform the level of augmentation to a nominal COTS autopilot to enable higher levels of precision. To accomplish the objective, a framework was established to rapidly evaluate the aerodynamics, guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) components of a UAV. In the developed simulation environment, a properly tuned and implemented COTS autopilot presents a menacing threat. As a result of this study, GPS denial was identified as a promising avenue in mitigating the UAV weapons delivery threat and is recommended as the subject of future research.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release. distribution is unlimited
Rights
This publication is a work of the U.S. Government as defined in Title 17, United States Code, Section 101. Copyright protection is not available for this work in the United States.