Expanded Ship and Autoland Operations by Quiescent Deck Recognition for UAV Signal to Land

An evaluation is presented concerning testing results from a real-time shipmotion-based helicopter recovery monitoring system. The purpose of this Office of Naval Research sponsored Future Naval Capabilities UAV project is to demonstrate the feasibility to automatically signal the initiation of UAV descent. The 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. The study conducted in real-time, analyzed the interface of the Fire Scout air vehicle and a LPD 4 Austin Class Ship. Undercarriage deflection to encountered deck forces and aircraft stability, were calculated. Using Launch and Recovery “rondelles”, the deck limits at specific ship’s speeds may be identified. Percentages of improvement for operational availability is demonstrated. The results using simulated data are compared to those recorded on the USS Denver during Fire Scout testing. Good correlation is shown between the deck limits calculated by simulation with that recorded at sea. The index performed to specification showing no exceptions or failures. System components are presented and a short discussion of other shipboard (interoperability) energy index applications, are offered.