SBIR-STTR Award

A behavior-based architecture for control of miniature autonomous helicopters is proposed. The architecture is hierarchical, with the lowest level behaviors ensuring craft survival and higher level behaviors performing such tasks as navigation and target location. The design and fabrication of a model helicopter embodying these principles is described, using a multitude of sensors and on-board computation. Deliverables from the study include a methodology for design and fabrication of low cost autonomous helocopters, an approach to automatic tuning of parameters to different craft,and a demonstration-of autonomous, vision-guided flight. PET is interested in using autonomous helicopters for structural monitoring applications. We plan to integrate MIR technology, proposed to be developed under another SBIR proposal, on to this type of vehicle. Anticipated Military Benefits/Potential Commercial Application of the Research or Development: The autonomous helicopter when mounted with multi-sensors can be used to survey an area for detection, identifying location and type of land mines. It can also be used to help dispose of the discovered mines. The proposed project has enormous potential commercial applications. These applications include structural monitoring, scientific data gathering, crop spraying, traffic surveillance, identification of unexploded land mines, delivery of supplies to stranded travellers or hikers and photographing hazardous or hostile areas.

As the result of the Phase I activities, Photo Emissions Technology Inc. (PET) and University of Southern California (USC) in collaboration with Lear Astronics Corporation (Astronics), have developed a novel design for a "Millimeter-Wave Radar based Terminal Precision Approach and Landing System (T-Pals)". T-PALS has been conceptualized to be used in conjunction with existing and emerging landing systems providing an affordable, high integrity, zero visibility landing capability for a wide range of civil and military aircraft applications. The T-PALS technologies proposed can lend themselves to a wide range of system architectures. Two scenarios have been selected for phase II proof-of-concept testing: a cluster of small ground based MMW radars with the airborne segment comprised of active MMW transponders; and an airborne MMW radar with a ground segment consisting of passive corner reflectors/active MMW transponders. It is noteworthy that even the radar based ground segment configuration can still be highly transportable due to the compact nature of MMW radars. In deriving the T-PALS concept we have attempted to be complementary to emerging promising technologies. T-PALS integrates well with almost any current or emerging technology; it complements Kinematic GPS or Relative GPS systems.

Benefits:
The development of T-PALS can result in a highly scaleable landing system which can have wide spread Military and Civil applications. The core technology will have applications to other precision navigation applications (i.e. Ships in ports or rivers).

Keywords:
Millimeter Wave Radar Transponders FMCW