Contingency path planning for hybrid-electric UAS

Abstract

This article presents a path planning optimization method which aims to mitigate the risks in the event of a critical engine or generator failure in hybrid-electric UAS. This is achieved through continuous determination of the optimum flight path, based on the remaining battery range and expected local wind conditions. The result is a dynamically adjusting flight path which ensures the aircraft to remain within range of pre-specified safe landing spots. The developed algorithm uses the particle swarm optimization technique to optimize the flight path, and incorporates regional wind information in order to increase the accuracy of the expected in-flight performance of the aircraft.