Guided Chaos

In this article, we have presented, in what we believe to be the first of its kind, the design and simulated testing of automated path planning and control strategies for a fixed-wing UAV executing an unpowered descent for landing during an emergency. Simulated test results demonstrate the ability of the gliding aircraft to follow the prescribed path in changing winds, with average path deviation errors that are comparable to or even better than that of manned, powered aircraft. To further verify the performances of our algorithms, we are currently preparing for flight tests with a Boomerang UAV.