UAV Mission Planning and Control Flashcards

Flashcards about Mission Planning and Control for Air Vehicles and Payloads based on lecture notes.

Mission Planning and Control Station (MPCS)

The 'nerve center' of the UAV system, controlling launch, flight, and recovery; processing data; controlling payload operation; and providing interfaces.

Ground Control Station (GCS)

An alternative name for the MPCS, especially when the planning function is performed separately from the control function.

MPCS Subsystems

Include AV status readouts, payload data displays, map displays, data link ground terminal, computer interface, and communication links.

Data Communication Link

Essential for controlling the AV's flight, transmitting commands, and receiving status information. Can operate in long distance, or line of sight.

Uplink

The channel used to send command signals to the AV and sensors from the MPCS.

Downlink

The channel used to receive status and sensor signals from the AV at the MPCS.

AV Status Information

Includes position, altitude, heading, airspeed, and fuel remaining, displayed to operators for controlling the AV.

Payload Data Displays

Displays data gathered by onboard sensors, varying based on sensor type and information usage.

Planning (MPCS)

Involves processing tasking messages, studying mission area maps, and designating flight routes.

Operation (MPCS)

Includes loading mission plans, launching UAVs, monitoring position, controlling the UAV and payload, recommending flight plan changes, providing information, saving sensor data and recovering UAVs.

Operator Workstation

Includes positions for the pilot and payload operator with multiple digital displays showing maps, AV/payload status, and sensor imagery.

Aircrew Key Functions

Piloting the aircraft, controlling the payloads, commanding the aircraft, and mission planning.

Full Remote Control

Humans perform all flight functions, basing actions on downlinked sensor information and direct control inputs.

Assisted Remote Control

Humans control the AV with assistance from automated onboard inner control loops.

Exception Control

Computers perform real-time control, notifying humans only when exceptions to the plan occur.

Full Automation

UAS performs the mission without human intervention, based on a pre-prepared mission plan.

Signal Relay/Intercept Payloads

Detecting electromagnetic signals and either retransmitting or analyzing/recording the signals.

Atmospheric Monitoring Payloads

Monitor information sensed by specialized sensors, downlinking readings as a function of time and location.

Imaging and pseudo-imaging payloads

Payloads where the human eye-brain system to interpret images which presents a challenge for automation.

Automatic Target Detection

Combination of sensors and signal processing that is capable of automatically finding some specified type of 'target' when it is embedded in a noisy and cluttered background.

Reconnaissance Payloads

Most commonly used by UAVs, these payloads gather specialized information and locate specific targets. They can be passive or active.

Passive Sensors

Sensors that do not radiate energy and rely on external energy sources such as sunlight or heat; photographic and TV cameras.

Active Sensors

Sensors that transmit energy to the object to be observed and detect the reflection of that energy; radar.

Detection

Determining that there is an object of interest at some particular point in the field of regard of the sensor.

Recognition

Determining that the object belongs to some general class, such as a truck or a person.

Identification

Determining a specific identity for the object, such as a dump truck or an enemy soldier.

Weapon Payloads

Includes UAVs designed for combat, general-purpose UAVs carrying weapons, and single-use platforms like cruise missiles.

Zero-Length Launch

Launch without a takeoff run, often using catapults or rocket boosters to accelerate the AV.