This
Application creates effective flightplans. The user loads a map of
the region that the UAV will fly over, clicks on points and
headings of interest that the aircraft must fly over. Clicking on
the "Show Proposed Path" button generates a time-optimal
flight plan. The user can adjust parameters, save the initial
planned path to disk, vary parameters, and then write an actual
flightplan. Uses L.E. Dubin's shortest path synthesis method.
Why is this
program useful?
Our goal is
to take pictures of the earth from a UAV. Sending points of interest as waypoints does not guarantee that
the airplane will fly over those points in level flight and
take good pictures. It also won't fly the shortest route
around the airfield. The airplane flies for less than 15
minutes. Setup time per flight is over an hour, so Flight time
is of the essence. On virtually every flight the airplane
misses critical waypoints. This program simplifies a very
difficult planning process and ensures the plane flies straight
over critical points. It can easily be applied to ground robots as
well.
