A Compreshensive Approach to the Development of Multivehicle Aerodynamics Simulation Models

The development of control laws for control of UCAVs in formation requires knowledge of the complete multivehicle dynamical system. This Phase I effort focuses on the design and development of simulation models for multiUCAV situations. During the primary work phase of this effort, a limited wind-tunnel entry in the Langley Full-Scale Wind Tunnel will be performed to demonstrate the ability to measure intervehicular aerodynamics efforts. Computational aerodynamics will serve as an additional source to determine intervehicular efforts. Using information gained, modifications to conventional flight dynamics modeling will be postulated. Data collected from the test and analyses will be incorporated into an existing simulation model to perform preliminary handling quality and control authority investigations. As part of the secondary effort, knowledge gained from the limited test entry will be used to perform a detailed design of wind-tunnel test hardware and software. In Phase II, this hardware and software will be used in an effort to perform extensive simultaneous testing of multiple UCAV configuration models. Simulation model modifications will also be implemented into the BAR D-Six simulation environment. UCAV test data combined with the simulation tools will provide engineers with a useful tool for the design and analysis of complex multivehicle control laws.