Formation Flight Control for Single-Operator Multi-Aircraft Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems require multiple remote operators to manage and operate multiple aircraft flying in formation, particularly in the stratosphere, which is inefficient and resource-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising aircraft equipped with control devices and management devices that allow for remote operation and formation flying, where one remote operator can control multiple aircraft by designating a lead aircraft and having others fly in tandem, reducing the need for multiple operators by using a management device to coordinate flight paths and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple remote operators are used to manage multiple aircraft, then each aircraft can be operated with dedicated attention, but the operational burden and resource requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple aircraft operations under a single remote operator by implementing formation flying where one aircraft (the head aircraft) is remotely operated while other aircraft (follower aircrafts) automatically follow predetermined formation patterns. This merging of control functions reduces the number of operators needed while maintaining operational reliability through automated formation maintenance and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The follower aircrafts perform self-service by automatically maintaining their positions and trajectories relative to the head aircraft without direct operator intervention. The system enables self-coordination between aircraft through automated formation control, reducing the operational burden on the remote operator while maintaining reliable multi-aircraft operation.
2Ease of operation
If multiple remote operators are deployed to operate multiple aircraft, then comprehensive control of each aircraft is achieved, but resource consumption and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the control of multiple aircraft into a single operational interface, allowing one remote operator to simultaneously manage the head aircraft and coordinate the follower aircrafts. This consolidation maintains comprehensive control capability while reducing the quantity of operators required from multiple personnel to a single operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The remote operator performs multiple functions simultaneously - directly controlling the head aircraft while also coordinating and monitoring the follower aircrafts through the formation control system. This multi-functionality enables one operator to manage what would traditionally require multiple specialized operators, reducing resource consumption.
3Productivity
If aircraft fly in formation with automated control, then the number of operators is reduced, but coordination and communication between aircraft become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The formation control system is segmented into distinct functional roles: the head aircraft that receives direct operator commands and the follower aircrafts that execute automated formation maintenance. This segmentation of control architecture simplifies the coordination complexity by clearly defining communication pathways and control responsibilities, enabling reduced operator involvement while maintaining high operational efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a plurality of aircrafts, each of which has an antenna for forming a communication area on the ground to provide a radio communication service to a user terminal in the communication area, and a management device for managing the plurality of aircrafts. The management device includes a signal transmitting unit that transmits a remote operation signal to an aircraft selected as the remote operation target from the plurality of aircrafts. Each of the plurality of aircrafts includes a remote operation flying control unit that, when an aircraft is selected as the remote operation target, causes the aircraft to fly based on the remote operation signal received from the management device, and a tuned flying control unit that, when the aircraft is not selected as the remote operation target, causes the aircraft to fly in tune with other aircraft selected as the remote operation target.