Contingency path planning for hybrid-electric UAS

Abstract

Abstract-This article presents a path planning optimization method which aims to mitigate the risks in the event of a critical engine or generator failure in hybrid-electric UAS. This is achieved through continuous determination of the optimum flight path, based on the remaining battery range and expected local wind conditions. The result is a dynamically adjusting flight path which ensures the aircraft to remain within range of pre-specified safe landing spots. The developed algorithm uses the particle swarm optimization technique to optimize the flight path, and incorporates regional wind information in order to increase the accuracy of the expected in-flight performance of the aircraft.

Long-Range Path Planning Using an Aircraft Performance Model for Battery-Powered sUAS Equipped With Icing Protection System

“…In recent literature a nonuniform wind distribution in addition to an aircraft performance model was used. That is the case in [12], where the flight path was optimized so that sUAS was guaranteed to be able to reach a pre-designated safe landing stop. This was done by continuously calculating the remaining range considering the remaining battery capacity in case of an engine failure.…”