In this paper, a distributed fault detection and isolation (FDI) scheme for formation flight of satellites is developed. In our proposed approach each satellite attempts to detect actuator faults of its neighboring agents in addition to its own faults. The main challenges are on integrating and fusing the FDI information generated by all agents in order to reduce and minimize the effects of fal...

This paper presents the results of a research effort focused on the modeling, identification, control design, simulation, and flight-testing of YF-22 research aircraft models in closed-loop formation. These models were designed, manufactured, and instrumented at West Virginia University (WVU). The first phase of flight tests was performed with the goal of exciting all the aircraft dynamic modes...

Introduction This is the third paper in a series of white papers addressing the issues associated with the usage of optical fiber cables in space flight applications.[1-2] These experiments to characterize commercially available optical fiber cables are crucial to deciding which cables are appropriate for which space flight mission based on their environmental performance. The objective of this...

This paper addresses a network-wide scheduling problem for generating, adjusting and optimizing flight schedules in en-route airspace. The aim of scheduling is twofold: to support flight plans by providing flight schedules reliable on optimal flow restrictions; and to assist en-route traffic control by ensuring safe and ordered trajectory of traffic. Firstly, we design an algorithm to generate ...

The Space Shuttle program began flying atmospheric flight navigation units in 1993, in support of Shuttle avionics upgrades. In the early 1990s, it was anticipated that proven in-production navigation units would greatly reduce integration, certification and maintenance costs. However, technical issues arising from ground and flight tests resulted in a slip in the Shuttle GPS certification date...

Insects, the largest group of animals on the earth, owe their prosperity to their ability of flight and small body sizes. The ability of flight provided means for rapid translocation. The small body size allowed access to unutilized niches. By acquiring both features, however, insects faced a new problem: They were forced to beat their wings at enormous frequencies. Insects have overcome this p...

In this paper, we present a full scheme for the cooperative control of multiple unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) helicopters. We adopt the leader-follower pattern to maintain a fixed geometrical formation while navigating the UAVs following certain trajectories. More specifically, the leader is commanded to fly on some predefined trajectories, and each follower is controlled to maintain its positi...

In aviation industry, considering more freedom in the selection and modification of flight paths during flight time is a new challenge, which is known as free flight. The free flight concept alters the current centralized and command-control airspace system (between air traffic controllers and pilots) to a distributed system that allows pilots choose their own flight paths more efficient and op...