Live-Fly, Large-Scale Field Experimentation for Large Numbers of Fixed-Wing UAVs

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Author
Chung, Timothy H.
Clement, Michael R.
Day, Michael A.
Jones, Kevin D.
Davis, Duane
Jones, Marianna
Date
2016-05Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
In this paper, we present extensive advances in
live-fly field experimentation capabilities of large numbers
of fixed-wing aerial robots, and highlight both the enabling
technologies as well as the challenges addressed in such large-scale
flight operations. We showcase results from recent field
tests, including the autonomous launch, flight, and landing of 50
UAVs, which illuminate numerous operational lessons learned
and generate rich multi-UAV datasets. We detail the design and
open architecture of the testbed, which intentionally leverages
low-cost and open-source components, aimed at promoting continued
advances and alignment of multi-robot systems research
and practice.