Closing the gap between research and field applications for multi-UAV cooperative missions

Abstract

The ability to fly multiple unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in collaboration has the potential to expand the scope of feasible UAV missions and could become the backbone of future UAV missions. However, despite having garnered significant research interest, there is no indication that systems supporting collaborative operation of multiple UAVs are close to achieving field deployment. The challenge of successfully deploying a quality system is inherently complex, and systems engineering offers an approach to handle the complexities. Effective application of systems engineering requires both knowledge breadth and depth. This thesis presents the results of a consolidation of information intended to support the conduct of systems engineering activities; and describes an experiment to ascertain the sensitivities of some key operational parameters, e.g., acquisition, pointing, and tracking. The experiment was conducted using Automatic Dependent SurveillanceBroadcast (ADS-B) and visual tracking equipment employing state-of-the-art technology to understand the operating challenges and requirements of using this equipment to provide situational awareness for a UAV pilot.