Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
autonomous soaring, real-time wind, unmanned aerial vehicles, UAV
College
Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering and Technology
Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are obtaining increasing utilization in many applications. Their small size (0.5-4m wingspan) allows them to fly close to the ground, providing useful observation and tracking data. This small size, however, comes at the expense of flight time. As UAV size decreases, the amount of stored energy (electrical or chemical) the UAV is able to carry also decreases. If long flight times are to be obtained with a small UAV, other energy sources must be exploited. Naturally occurring atmospheric phenomena provide one such potential energy source.
Recommended Citation
Cutler, Mark J. and McLain, Dr. Timothy
(2013)
"Autonomous Soaring Using Real-Time Wind Estimation,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 2003.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/2003