Real-Time Aerial Magnetic and Vision-Aided Navigation
Abstract:
Aerial magnetic navigation has shown to be a viable alternative navigation method that has the potential for world-wide availability, to include over oceans. Obtaining GPS-level accuracy using magnetic navigation alone is challenging, but magnetic navigation can be combined with other alternative navigation methods that are more posed to obtaining GPS-level accuracy in their current state. This research presents an aerial navigation solution combining magnetic navigation and vision-aided navigation to aid an inertial navigation system (INS). The navigation solution was demonstrated in real-time playback using simulated magnetic field measurements and flight-test captured visual imagery. Additionally, the navigation solution was flight-tested on a USAF F-16 to demonstrate magnetic navigation in the challenging magnetic environment seen on operationally representative dynamic platforms.