UAV x Ship Dynamic Interface Study: The Case for Air Vehicle Auto Recovery

The purpose of this Office of Naval Research originally sponsored Future Naval Capabilities UAV project is to demonstrate the feasibility to automatically signal the initiation of UAV descent.  The current NAVAIR objective is to recover the UAV on-board a moving vessel within reasonable safety margins regardless of the seaway.  The Energy Index, the operative component of the Landing Period Designator, identifies quiescent periods to initiate aircraft descent based on aircraft deck limit definitions.  Dynamic Interface simulation provides the physical information from which initial deck limits might be derived.  Energy Index quiescent indications for UAV recovery opportunities are presented outside of current operating limits.   A brief synopsis of the theory and calculation of the ship motion simulation and Energy Index programs, are discussed.  Undercarriage deflection to encountered deck forces and aircraft stability, were calculated.  Using Launch and Recovery “rondelles” (or speed-polars), the deck limits at specific ship’s speeds may be identified.  Impacts on the proposed deck limits, are discussed.  Percent improvement of operational availability is demonstrated.  The results using simulated data are compared to those recorded during dynamic interface testing at sea showing strong correlation between computational approaches.