Development, Integration and Test of an automatic UAV Recovery System for the CL227 VTOL-UAV

This paper highlights the evolution of the automated ship recovery system under development at Canadair in support of the CL227 UAV. The paper provides study test results concentrating on system response and control aspects affecting the performance of the CL227 recovery activity. A brief summary of the feasibility and simulation studies is provided. A description of the data link software and hardware components is presented. Study results affecting the design and positioning of data link components, such as, antenna installation, are discussed. The Launch and Recovery System (LRS) consists an Automatic Recovery System, a helicopter recovery system compatible traverser system and recovery grid. Design and evolution activities were directly affected by simulation test results. The simulation of an automated recovery system (leading to an actual at-sea demonstration) is presented . Canadair used an existing nonlinear six-degree-of-freedom model of the air vehicle and a naval vessel. Control algorithms which basically closed the loop between the air vehicle and ship, were incorporated. A model was developed to represent the air vehicle tracker and incorporated. Simulation was also used to preview flight profiles prior to launch. These simulation results are also discussed. The flight test matrix of an at-sea demonstration is presented.