Instrumented Deck Landing Cueing in Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The primary difference in naval helicopter launch and recovery methodologies between manned and Unmanned Aircraft Systems is centered on pilot decision making logic. This logic is heavily influenced by, amongst other parameters, visual cueing. This paper focuses on the investigation converting manned recovery cueing to digital definitions and the corresponding instrumentation development. The deck condition definitions normally estimated empirically using standard rating scales, are replaced by instrumentation measuring the status of the deck prior to touch-down. Discussion describing one of the new deck measuring devices designed to replace piloted cueing, is provided. Theory, previous simulation studies and current at-sea testing along with data results, are discussed. The interface of the deck measuring device into the next version of the Fire Scout UAS system is provided.