A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft

Transcription

1 A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Technological Background Dr. Bérénice Mettler University of Minnesota Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 1 / 15

2 Lecture Outline and Objectives Outline Overview Readings and Material Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 2 / 15

3 Introduction and Overview Technological background of unmanned aircraft What are the particular challenges and opportunities of small-scale unmanned aircraft System s perspective with a focus on dynamics and control Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 3 / 15

4 Historical Overview Early attempts Figure: Curtiss remote control airplane Figure: Sperry aerial torpedo, 1918 Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 4 / 15

5 Historical Overview Highlights and Lessons Early Challenges Auto-stabilized vs. remote control Development of gyroscopic stabilization and autopilot Servo actuators Wireless communication Early Applications Gliders Target Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 5 / 15

6 Early Technology Figure: Autopilot: Sperry fly-by Paris, 1914 Figure: Early navigation sensor: Sperry s gyrocompass Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 6 / 15

7 V-2 Rocket: Advent of Autonomous Guidance Roll, yaw and pitch gyros were used to provide inertial reference and provide the control inputs needed to maintain the roll, pitch and yaw and steer the rocket on a desired flight path. The gyro outputs were fed to the control vanes. Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 7 / 15

8 Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 8 / 15

9 The V-2 is one of the first system that embodies the components necessary for autonomous flight. In particular the implementation of feedback stabilization and gyroscopic guidance. Full, inertial navigation, where the gyroscopes are coupled to accelerometers, came with Draper (today s Draper Lab). Draper lab was the main designer of the Apollo guidance system and ballistic missiles. The first era of autonomous vehicles is dominated by missiles. Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 9 / 15

10 Drivers of today s Since about 2000 several technological Computational Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), e.g., inertial sensors Affordable due to the widespread use in automobiles, smart-phones, computers, etc. (economy of scale) Grown into complex hybrid systems combining electrical, digital, mechanical, aerodynamic components. High-level of autonomy, robotic aircraft. Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 10 / 15

11 Challenges and Opportunities Challenges Miniaturized aircraft Small payload limits type and quality of sensors Wind magnitude can be as high as airspeed Opportunities Design does not have to accommodate for crew: Wide range of airframe types and configurations No concerns for human physiological limitations and piloted handling qualities Design can emphasize task requirements Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 11 / 15

12 Solution and Design Philosophy Effective guidance and control laws: exploit maneuverability, reject/disturbances Detailed understanding and modeling of the flight mechanics Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 12 / 15

13 System s Perspective What it means? Mathematical model of all components and aerodynamics Integration of the components into a overall model Simulation and analysis of the overall system behavior and performance Insights can be used to modify characteristics of individual components Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 13 / 15

14 System s Perspective Example General System Architecture Note Components can also include software, e.g. flight control laws... Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 14 / 15

15 References For images and historical background see [1]. L.R. Newcome. Unmanned aviation: a brief history of unmanned aerial vehicles. Aiaa, Dr. Bérénice Mettler (University of Minnesota) A brief History of Unmanned Aircraft Jan , 2012 (v. 1/15/13) 15 / 15