Lateral carrier landing performance affecting factors of small carrier-based UAV

Abstract

Research on factors affecting carrier landing performance of small UAV has vital significance to ensure the safe landing of UAV. The influences of external environmental disturbance and UAV lateral attributes change are studied. First, Small UAV lateral carrier landing system is constructed. Comprehensive computer models, which include ship dynamics, airwake, navigational error, and airplane dynamics and kinematics, dynamic airplane control structure based on improved LQR with frontal compensator, are then designed to simulate unmanned carrier landings. Second, aircraft lateral attributes are varied and landing performance statistics are recorded for each configuration. Finally, the aircraft preliminary design limits are generated. Simulation results show that severe sea condition has the greatest impact on landing dispersion, and in lateral aerodynamic attributes, side force coefficient with sideslip angle which is generally negative is the most important factor. Increasing its absolute value with physical constraints will significantly improve landing performance. © Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2013.