Utilizing Ground-Based LIDAR Measurements to Aid Autonomous Airdrop Systems

Authors

Martin Cacan, Georgia Institute of Technology
Edward Scheuermann, Georgia Institute of Technology
Michael Ward, Georgia Institute of Technology
Mark Costello, Georgia Institute of Technology
Nathan Slegers, George Fox UniversityFollow

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2017

Publication Title

Journal of Aerospace Engineering

Abstract

Uncertainty in atmospheric winds represents one of the primary sources of landing error in airdrop systems. In this work, a ground-based LIDAR system samples the wind field at discrete points above the target and transmits real-time data to approaching autonomous airdrop systems. In simulation and experimentation, the inclusion of a light detection and ranging (LIDAR) system showed a maximum of 40% improvement over unaided autonomous airdrop systems. Wind information nearest ground level has the largest impact on improving accuracy.

Volume

23

Issue

10

First Page

1763

Last Page

1778

DOI

10.1177/0954410017705402

ISSN

1943-5525

Comments

Originally published in the Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 2017, Vol. 231(10) 1763–1778.

DOI: 10.1177/0954410017705402

Recommended Citation

Cacan, Martin; Scheuermann, Edward; Ward, Michael; Costello, Mark; and Slegers, Nathan, "Utilizing Ground-Based LIDAR Measurements to Aid Autonomous Airdrop Systems" (2017). Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering. 75.
https://digitalcommons.georgefox.edu/mece_fac/75