Integrated flight dynamics modelling for unmanned aerial vehicles

Abstract

The primary motivation to build a flight dynamics model was for dead reckoning of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, a process of estimating the aircraft's motions from the last known state during the interval of losing GPS signals. When a wind model was added to the flight simulation, it had the ability to either load wind data externally, or to produce random turbulence internally, from light to severe. This additional feature gave the simulation a more realistic flight environment. As a result, it can be used to predict the stability and flying characteristics of UAVs. Likewise, autopilot controllers can be tested in extreme conditions before they are implemented. The modified generic flight model permits modelling of completely arbitrary vehicle configurations, from miniature Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) to transonic fighters. Building the model in Matlab Simulink allowed rapid development of new aircraft models, and has provided a very flexible platform for users to tailor their flight models. © 2008 IEEE.