Simulation

[Rox]

Anyone tried autopilot implementation for an Aerosonde UAV for AeroSim blockset by U-dynamics?

Thats a very goood tool to simulate Autoplilot and Aerodynamics of a small UAV.

[clolson]

For what it's worth the current version of the simulink aerospace blockset has a direct interface to use FlightGear as a live 3d visualization tool for your model and control algorithms. You can setup cockpit views, chase views, show virtual instruments, animate the control surface movement, etc. For the matlab impaired, FlightGear has it's own builtin flight dynamics model engine and autopilot which are quite capable in their own right.

[Rox]

clolson you are right... but I am more concerned about the practical implementation. If we can simulate the complete UAV system with 2nd order sensors and actuators/servos and estimaton filters for an autopilot, that can help a lot in actually writing the code for say MPC555 or even PIC. The best thing about AeroSim is the Aerosonde UAV model with true parameters already provided.

To write working code you have to simulate that first in your mind and then implement and if there is a tool to help your thinking then its far better!

[Bg~]

I've played with that toolbox, but never did anything specific. If i remember correctly, the (main?) guy who wrote Aerosim blockset now works for Cloud Cap Tech...and they make the autopilot that I think is used in the Aerosonde. (although I can't find what autopilot is used in the Aerosonde now that I look, so I might be way off base). Anyway, you might get some information by emailing the Cloud Cap people.