Citation

Giulietti F, Mengali G. Aeronaut. J. 2004; 108(1081): 117-124.

Affiliation

University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, Royal Aeronautical Society, Publisher Cambridge University Press)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The problem of aircraft formation dynamics and control is investigated from the viewpoint of formation architecture. Three different formation structures, leader-wingman, virtual leader and behavioural approaches are introduced. A comparative study is made using a unified approach through a suitable control law. The formation systems are analyzed on a quantitative basis and objective results are made available for the designer. The trade-off between system performance and complexity is indicated. A complete nonlinear simulation involving a flight-path change and a heading change manoeuvre is discussed. Results show the superiority of a behavioural approach to maintain close formations of vehicles.

Language: en