Hybrid VTOL UAV Autonomous Operations from Mobile Landing Pad

Abstract

Flight missions carried out from mobile landing pads are a challenge for hybrid VTOL UAVs. An approach to precise landing on a moving pad requires implementing an appropriate control system supported by accurate relative positioning. The paper presents the results of real conditions test on such a UAV system, which is a combination of hybrid VTOL UAV and dedicated landing pad navigation station that was developed to allow UAVS to take off and land on a mobile platform. Tests were carried out by employing a mobile landing platform mounted on a trailer pulled by a car. During the tests, the hybrid VTOL UAV was able to take off and land on the landing platform moving at a speed up to 25 km/h, and all flight trials ended with success. These tests improved the UAV system before the final test on maritime conditions.