Simulation for the Next Generation of Civilian Airspace Integrated UAV Platforms
Ian P. McManus, Rodney Walker · 2004
UAVs have existed for decades, however in recent years their proliferation has increased rapidly. Advanced UAV systems are now commonplace, due to improvements in navigation and computing technologies. This proliferation has highlighted a previously overlooked problem. There are thousands of UAVs flying today, and the diversity of applications to which they are being applied is continually expanding. Consequently operations within civilian airspace are becoming an essential component of UAV operations. The modern UAV will be planning and executing its assigned missions in the civilian airspace environment [1], wholly integrated with other aircraft and in possession of a high degree of autonomy. The development and testing of the next generation of UAVs requires a new approach to modelling and simulation for UAVs. The flight model can no longer be the primary focus in UAV simulation environments. Equal consideration must now be given to simulation of the civilian airspace environment in order to validate the ability of the UAV to operate within civilian airspace. AIAA Modeling and Simulation Technologies Conference and Exhibit 16 19 August 2004, Providence, Rhode Island AIAA 2004-4803