Publications

Optimal turning path generation for unmanned aerial vehicles

Noonan, Andrea; Schinstock, Dale; Lewis, Chris; Spletzer, Barry L.

In this paper, we present an optimal method for calculating turning maneuvers for an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) developed for ecological research. The algorithm calculates several possible solutions using vectors represented in complex notation, and selects the shortest turning path given constraints determined by the aircraft. This algorithm considers the UAV's turning capabilities, generating a two-dimensional path that is feasible for the UAV to fly. We generate a test flight path and show that the UAV is capable of following the turn maneuvers.