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The development of a target-lock-on optical remote sensing system for unmanned aerial vehicles

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 February 2016

F-B Hsiao ,
T-L Liu ,
Y-H Chien ,
M-T Lee  and
R. Hirst
F-B Hsiao
Affiliation:
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
T-L Liu
Affiliation:
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
Y-H Chien
Affiliation:
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
M-T Lee
Affiliation:
Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
R. Hirst
Affiliation:
JPBH Consulting, UK
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Abstract

The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in various military and civil applications is the subject of much current attention. With recent developments in personal computer technology, and the availability at affordable cost of peripherals, and electronic and optical sensors, UAVs for long endurance missions, with flight autonomy beyond the visual range, have become an attractive challenge for study in universities and research institutes. This paper describes the development of a target-lock-on optical remote sensing system to be used as a payload in a university-class UAV. To accomplish autonomous way-point navigation for the conduct of optical sensing surveillance, a gimbaled-platform with servo control and an Attitude and Heading Reference System (AHRS) navigation system for UAV position and attitude measurements have been developed. The UAV also utilises a Global Position System (GPS) receiver, a pressure altimeter, gyroscopes and an electric compass. A novel mathematical model is proposed to calculate the optimal parameters for orientating the CCD camera line of sight with a ground target, designated in real time from a ground control station. Both ground and flight test results have demonstrated the feasibility of the navigation control scheme and the UAV’s ability to conduct ground target acquisition and image transmission.

Type
Research Article
Information
The Aeronautical Journal , Volume 110 , Issue 1105 , March 2006 , pp. 163 - 172
Copyright
Copyright © Royal Aeronautical Society 2006 

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