Remote ATOL Control Using DGPS Support at UAV TOL Sites
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft control systems require a fully functional aircraft control station and trained operators at the takeoff and landing site for accurate control, especially for UAVs, which is impractical and costly, especially when the control station is located remotely from the UAV deployment area.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft control system that enables automatic takeoff and landing (ATOL) using a remote aircraft control station communicating over a beyond line of sight (BLOS) link, with a takeoff and landing support (TLS) unit providing DGPS positioning data over a line of sight (LOS) link to an onboard ATOL subsystem, allowing for integrated navigation and control instructions for safe execution of TOL.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fully functional aircraft control station with trained operators is deployed at the takeoff and landing site, then accurate control during TOL is achieved, but operational costs and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into two independent parts: a remote control station that generates navigation instructions, and an onboard ATOL subsystem that executes TOL operations locally using DGPS data. This segmentation eliminates the need to deploy a full control station at the TOL site while maintaining control accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
DGPS positioning data acts as an intermediary that enables the onboard ATOL subsystem to achieve accurate positioning and control during TOL operations without direct human intervention from a local control station. The DGPS data bridge connects the remote control instructions with local execution accuracy.
2Reliability
If a fully functional aircraft control station is deployed at the takeoff and landing site, then accurate control during TOL is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The onboard ATOL subsystem performs self-service during TOL operations by autonomously processing DGPS positioning data and executing navigation instructions locally. This eliminates the need for expensive local control station deployment and trained operators at the TOL site, significantly reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deploying a complete control station copy at the remote TOL site, the system transmits essential navigation instructions from the remote control station and uses locally available DGPS data to achieve accurate control. This copying approach maintains control accuracy while dramatically reducing deployment costs.
3Loss of information
If line of sight communication is maintained between control station and aircraft during TOL, then real-time control is achieved, but the control station must be located near the deployment area
Solution Approach 1:
The critical real-time control function is extracted from the remote control station and implemented locally on the onboard ATOL subsystem. This extraction allows the control station to be located remotely without compromising TOL control accuracy, as the local subsystem independently processes DGPS data and executes instructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The onboard ATOL subsystem is pre-configured with the capability to process DGPS positioning data and execute navigation instructions autonomously during TOL operations. This preliminary preparation enables the system to maintain real-time control accuracy even when the control station is located far away, communicating only essential navigation parameters.
Data Source
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AI summary
The presently disclosed subject matter includes an aircraft control system and an aircraft operating method which enable to control an aircraft (e.g. a UAV) by a remote aircraft control station communicating over a BLOS communication link with the aircraft, without the need to deploy an aircraft control station at a TOL site located remotely from the location of the control station. A remote takeoff and landing support (TLS) unit is deployed at the TOL site, the TLS unit comprises a DGPS which provides to the aircraft the accurate positioning data required to enable ATOL execution.