Real-time Aerial Magnetic and Vision-aided Navigation

Author

Daniel J. Clarke

Date of Award

3-2021

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Joseph A. Curro, PhD

Abstract

Aerial magnetic navigation has shown to be a viable alternative navigation method that has the potential for world-wide availability, to include over oceans. Obtaining GPS-level accuracy using magnetic navigation alone is challenging, but magnetic navigation can be combined with other alternative navigation methods that are more posed to obtaining GPS-level accuracy in their current state. This research presents an aerial navigation solution combining magnetic navigation and vision-aided navigation to aid an inertial navigation system (INS). The navigation solution was demonstrated in real-time playback using simulated magnetic field measurements and flight-test captured visual imagery. Additionally, the navigation solution was flight-tested on a USAF F-16 to demonstrate magnetic navigation in the challenging magnetic environment seen on operationally representative dynamic platforms.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENG-MS-21-M-022

DTIC Accession Number

AD1144412

Recommended Citation

Clarke, Daniel J., "Real-time Aerial Magnetic and Vision-aided Navigation" (2021). Theses and Dissertations. 4994.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/4994