Date of Award

1-1994

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

First Advisor

Meir Pachter, PhD

Second Advisor

John D'Azzo, PhD

Abstract

The research contained in this thesis explores the concepts of Automated Formation Flight Control documented in three previous AFIT theses. The generic formation analyzed consists of a Leader and Wingman, with the Wingman referencing its maneuvers off of Leader maneuvers. Specifically, planar formation flight control concerning only heading and velocity changes is considered. Next, the vertical separation constraint is relaxed to allow wing maneuvers outside of the flight plane of the lead in order to minimize the energy expended by the wing in a maneuver. Analysis of the two forms of formation flight control investigated in this thesis reveals the close relationship between formation geometry, aircraft time constants, controller gains, formation performance, and control system stability. Integral control action is determined to be necessary for formation flight control. Nonlinear simulations are accomplished on a digital computer to validate the analysis of the automated formation flight control system. Comparisons are made between the two forms of formation flight control considered, and a third, energy conserving maneuvers, in order to determine which is best for each phase of flight.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-GE-ENG-94M-01

DTIC Accession Number

ADA274137

Comments

The author's Vita page is omitted.

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