Precision Aerial Delivery Systems: Modeling, Dynamics, and Control

Precision Aerial Delivery Systems: Modeling, Dynamics, and Control provides an overview of the recent developments in precision aerial cargo delivery from the standpoint of developing guidance, navigation and control (GNC) algorithms for the self-guided parafoil and parachute-based aerial delivery systems (PADS). Developing a robust GNC system involves aerodynamics modeling, structural and parametric system identification, understanding the environment PADS glides through developing and testing suitable navigation solutions, guidance strategies, and controllers. Introduction of ram-air gliding parachutes in sportive sky diving in the early 1970s ended the era of round canopies. Availability of GPS in the late 1990s opened an era of autonomous vehicles, which boosted an interest in self-guided PADS. A substantial improvement in achieving a better landing accuracy demonstrated by the different-weight PADS during the last decade expanded the area of their potential usage. Miniaturization and availability of sensors allowed developing micro-light PADS that not only have their own market niche, but make it possible for universities to utilize these systems in their curricula and research along with other unmanned vehicles. Thus the intended audience for this book is not only professionals and researchers, but graduate and postgraduate students working in the areas of aerial systems modeling and GNC algorithms design as well. The book is coauthored by eleven experts and addresses the following topics:

• PADS and measures of their effectiveness;
• Basic analysis of the ram-air parachute;
• Key factors affecting PADS landing accuracy;
• Aerodynamic characterization of parafoils;
• Equations of motion;
• Stability and steady-state performance;
• Guidance, navigation, and control;
• Glide-angle control;
• Control of nongliding parachute systems;
• Flight test instrumentation;
• Parametrical identification of PADS

About the Author

Oleg A. Yakimenko is professor of systems engineering/mechanical and aerospace engineering and director of the Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Center at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA. He is the author or co-author of over 250 publications about guidance, navigation, and control of unmanned air, surface, and underwater vehicles, satellites, guided weapons, and parachutes, along with high-fidelity modeling and simulation of complex combat systems. He holds two MS degrees in aerospace engineering and operations research from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technologies and the Air Force Engineering Academy. He also holds two PhD degrees in these areas. He is a Member of the Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Technical Committee, Deputy Director of Education for Western Region, and an Associate Fellow of AIAA.