Accession Number:

AD1079350

Title:

Quantifying Autonomous Soaring on a Surveillance and Communications Relay Mission

Descriptive Note:

[Technical Report, Formal Report]

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Edwards, Daniel J.
• Kahn, Aaron D.
• Carter, Sam V.
• Jenkins, Phillip P.
• Scheiman, David A.

Report Date:

2019-07-18

Pagination or Media Count:

17

Abstract:

A notional surveillance and communications relay mission places a demand on an unmanned aircrafts available energy supply. Autonomous soaring algorithms and solar photovoltaic systems both provide a means to extract energy from the environment from thermal updrafts and solar radiation respectively to extend endurance beyond the aircrafts stored energy limits. Furthermore, multiple aircraft can improve their soaring success by sharing information. This report describes a demonstration system that combines multiple coordinated aircraft, each with autonomous soaring algorithms and integrated solar-photovoltaic power systems. Flight testing with two aircraft is planned to quantify the notional mission performance when both autonomous soaring and solar power systems are used.

Descriptors:

• aircrafts
• unmanned aerial vehicles
• climate change adaptation
• solar energy
• command and control
• energy
• airframes
• flight testing
• global positioning systems
• military research
• solar radiation
• algorithms
• guidance
• vehicles
• electronics
• gliders
• navigation

Subject Categories:

• Pilotless Aircraft
• Radio Communications

Distribution Statement:

[A, Approved For Public Release]