Unified Control Systems

A survey of the subject of unified control systems for the guidance of unmanned vehicles, such as pilotless aircraft and satellites, is presented. Unified refers to the fact that the tracking, telemetry, and command functions are all performed using a single RF channel and, at least ideally, a single set of equipment. The principles are outlined, followed by descriptions of several novel applications to the control of multiple vehicles. Examples based upon existing systems also are provided.