Autonomous Landing Capability for Air-Launched Small RPA (Group 2 / 3) Technology (#2)

ABSTRACT: Small unmanned aerial systems (SUAS) are ubiquitous in today"s battlefield, and perform diverse tasks with a low overhead relative to full sized UAS. Recovering such vehicles safely and accurately is an obvious requirement. A very limited payload capacity, however, limits options for guidance equipment required for precision recovery. Modern battlefields further require ability to operate in a GPS-denied environment and without jamming-prone RF communication. Adsys Controls proposes a novel optical guidance system providing precision approach path guidance (a/c position and range) through touchdown. The system is specifically designed for accuracy, small size, and ease of use while providing day/night, all-weather operability. Adaptability for different vehicle recovery methods as well as support for multi-vehicle operations provides a robust method for flexible battlefield operations. BENEFIT: The autolanding capability provided will simplify UAS operations, expand their operating envelope, and reduce cost. In the end, this will increase usage of UAS by the DoD, law enforcement, fire protection, and research organizations. There are other applications outside of UAS where the technology can provide benefits. Similar systems can be used for precision satellite proximity operations or cooperative optical acquisition, such as laser communications.