The invention discloses a path planning and hierarchical cooperative control method and
system for an unmanned aerial vehicle cluster. The
system comprises a path planning module and a formation
motion control module. The method comprises the steps that firstly, an improved RRT *
algorithm is adopted by a path planning module, through a multi-strategy
heuristic node expansion mechanism fusing target bias and artificial
potential field guidance and comprehensively considering
path length, channel volume and Z-axis height change, a center path and a three-dimensional safe channel which take into account safety and smoothness are planned for an unmanned aerial vehicle cluster; and then, based on the central path, the formation
motion control module adopts a distributed
model prediction control framework, designs different optimization targets for a navigator and a follower, and solves an
optimal control instruction on line, so that a cluster is guided to complete trajectory tracking, collision avoidance among individuals and self-adaptive formation reconstruction in a
secure channel. According to the invention, the navigation problem of the unmanned aerial vehicle cluster in a complex obstacle environment is solved, and the path planning efficiency and the robustness of cooperative control are improved.