FirmamentFX
May 02, 2008, 03:22 PM
Hi guys,
I just thought I'd post an update on my (now - in relative terms - ancient) UAV project. If anyone remembers a couple of years ago, I was posting about designing a UAV with "Airbus" style control laws and automatics.
Shortly after getting enthused about the project, I became ill. While I was (and am) recuperating, I started messing around with ideas in MatLab/Simulink, and also on Windoze (using VS).
I came up with what I think are some pretty interesting concepts, which I "tested out" using MS Flight Simulator with a custom model (essentially a "software in the loop" simulation).
Earlier this year, I had a chance to test out these control laws on an RC trainer, with some favourable (and the odd not so favourable) results for both the "FMGS" and Autopilot/Autothrust units. Now I've decided to go for it and build the big 'bus.
There is still a LOT of work to do - I want to implement an automatic landing system using a mix GPS/infrared system, as well as get the ground control station off a classical RC transmitter and onto a laptop using a joystick, but I am very hopeful about what can actually be achieved.
The system is based on several control units onboard the aircraft - the main integrated control unit (running QNX RTOS - which is now incidentally FREE for non commercial projects), and various actuator control units programmed variously with MatLab/Simulink and LabView and running from embedded FPGA computers.
I AM slowly getting a website together with all the details and test results. When it is ready I'll post the link.
All best,
Martin
I just thought I'd post an update on my (now - in relative terms - ancient) UAV project. If anyone remembers a couple of years ago, I was posting about designing a UAV with "Airbus" style control laws and automatics.
Shortly after getting enthused about the project, I became ill. While I was (and am) recuperating, I started messing around with ideas in MatLab/Simulink, and also on Windoze (using VS).
I came up with what I think are some pretty interesting concepts, which I "tested out" using MS Flight Simulator with a custom model (essentially a "software in the loop" simulation).
Earlier this year, I had a chance to test out these control laws on an RC trainer, with some favourable (and the odd not so favourable) results for both the "FMGS" and Autopilot/Autothrust units. Now I've decided to go for it and build the big 'bus.
There is still a LOT of work to do - I want to implement an automatic landing system using a mix GPS/infrared system, as well as get the ground control station off a classical RC transmitter and onto a laptop using a joystick, but I am very hopeful about what can actually be achieved.
The system is based on several control units onboard the aircraft - the main integrated control unit (running QNX RTOS - which is now incidentally FREE for non commercial projects), and various actuator control units programmed variously with MatLab/Simulink and LabView and running from embedded FPGA computers.
I AM slowly getting a website together with all the details and test results. When it is ready I'll post the link.
All best,
Martin