| Vijay Shankar Dwivedi |
Research Fellow, Cranfield University, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, MK43 0AL, Bedfordshire, UK. | | Hyo-Sang Shin |
Professor, Cranfield University, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, MK43 0AL, Bedfordshire, UK. and Professor, KAIST, Cho Chun Shik Graduate School of Mobility, 34141, Daejeon, Republic of Korea. | | Antonios Tsourdos |
Professor, Cranfield University, School of Aerospace, Transport and Manufacturing, MK43 0AL, Bedfordshire, UK. |
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| Abstract:
The combination of fixed-wing capability for cruising and multi-rotor capability for takeoff and landing has made VTOL UAVs increasingly popular. The runway requirement is eliminated for VTOL UAVs by adding multi-rotor with fixed-wing UAVs, however, this is at the cost of additional weight added to the UAV to carry additional systems for takeoff and landing operations. This additional weight doesn't allow a VTOL to meet the cruise performance of a fixed-wing UAV of similar weight and size. Adding a detachable multi-rotor system to a fixed-wing UAV can provide an in-air virtual runway and enable VTOL capability in a conventional fixed-wing UAV without compromising its cruise performance and without adding any additional weight to it. This study introduces a concept known as the "Air-runway," a virtual landing platform for fixed-wing UAVs designed to operate in mid-air. The Air-runway envisions a flying platform that provides a dynamic and adaptable landing surface, challenging traditional notions of runway infrastructure. This paper delves into the conceptualization of this innovative idea, highlighting the potential advantages and addressing the technical challenges associated with its implementation. This study also presents the development of a guidance law tailored specifically for the Air-runway environment. The proposed guidance law aims to demonstrate approach and landing sequences for fixed-wing aircraft, ensuring a smooth and precise touchdown on the airborne platform. The paper outlines the theoretical foundation of the guidance law and presents simulation results that demonstrate its efficacy in various scenarios.
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View PDF CEAS-GNC-2024-046